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In this Article

• What is carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
• What are the possible side effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
• How should I take carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tegretol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tegretol)?
• What should I avoid while taking carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
• What other drugs will affect carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Tegretol)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Tegretol)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include shallow breathing, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, urinating less or not at all, muscle twitches, restlessness, tremors, slurred speech, staggering walk, and feeling light-headed or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking carbamazepine (Tegretol)?

Carbamazepine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of carbamazepine, and can also increase your risk of seizures.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Carbamazepine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, other seizure medicines, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by carbamazepine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.

What other drugs will affect carbamazepine (Tegretol)?

There are many other medicines that could cause a drug interaction if you take them together with carbamazepine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about carbamazepine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the condition prescribed.

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