Carbamazepine
About
Carbamazepine belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics used to treat epilepsy (fits) and trigeminal neuralgia (pain in the face's nerves). Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which there is a sudden rush of electric impulses (electric activity) in the brain. As a result, the brain's electrical rhythms become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent episodes of seizures or fits. Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition which affects the trigeminal nerve that carries sensations from the face to the brain.
Carbamazepine contains 'Carbamazepine' that reduces the electrical impulses and subsequent firing of the nerve impulses that cause fits. Thus, Carbamazepine decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby controlling seizures.
You are advised to take Carbamazepine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, tiredness, uncontrolled movements, nausea, headache, changes in liver enzymes or low white blood cells count, and minor skin reactions. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Carbamazepine for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Please do not stop taking Carbamazepine without consulting your doctor to avoid worsening of seizures. Do not take Carbamazepine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy unless prescribed by the doctor as it could lead to serious congenital disabilities. It is safe to take Carbamazepine while breastfeeding; however, consult your doctor immediately if you think that the baby is having side-effects like excessive sleepiness, skin reactions or yellowing of skin or eyes. Carbamazepine causes drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Carbamazepine should not be given to children unless prescribed. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Carbamazepine as it could lead to increased dizziness and sleepiness. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Carbamazepine
Medicinal Benefits
Carbamazepine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-convulsants or anti-epileptics used to treat epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia (face nerve pain). Carbamazepine works by reducing the electrical impulses and subsequent firing of the nerve impulses that cause fits. Carbamazepine decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby helping in controlling seizures. Carbamazepine is also used to relieve nerve pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. People with glossopharyngeal neuralgia may also experience benefit with Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is not associated with any psychological or physical dependence, and there is no potential for abuse.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Carbamazepine
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Uncontrolled movements
- Nausea
- Headache
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Low white blood cells count
- Minor skin reactions
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Carbamazepine if you are allergic to 'Carbamezapine' or any of its contents, have serious heart problems, blood illnesses, bone marrow problems, hypothyroidism, glaucoma, urinary retention, osteoporosis or taking anti-depressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO's) within the last 14 days or taking herbal preparations containing St. John's wort as an antidepressant. Inform the doctor if you have low sodium levels in the blood or take medicines that could lower the blood's sodium levels, or using hormonal contraceptives. Do not stop taking Carbamazepine without consulting your doctor to avoid worsening of seizures episodes. Do not take Carbamazepine if you are pregnant unless prescribed by the doctor as Carbamazepine might cause serious congenital disabilities. It is safe to take Carbamazepine while breastfeeding; however, consult your doctor immediately if you think that the baby is having side-effects like excessive sleepiness, skin reactions or yellowing of skin or eyes. Carbamazepine causes drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Carbamazepine should not be given to people less than 18 years of age until and unless prescribed by the doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Carbamazepine as it could lead to increased dizziness and sleepiness. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies or mood swings.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Carbamazepine may have interaction with antipsychotic (aripiprazole, quetiapine), anti-anxiety (alprazolam), anti-depressant (amitriptyline, duloxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine), antibiotics (erythromycin), pain killer (codeine, oxycodone, acetaminophen, tramadol), anti-convulsant (gabapentin, lamotrigine, pregabalin, phenytoin, topiramate), anti-thyroid (levothyroxine), antipsychotic (lithium), insomnia (melatonin), anti-coagulant (warfarin), antihistamine (diphenhydramine), and vitamin (cholecalciferol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Carbamazepine as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking Carbamazepine. Herbal preparations containing St. John's wort should be avoided while taking Carbamazepine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Carbamazepine may have interactions with disease conditions such as depression, liver disease, kidney dysfunction, suicidal tendency, irregular heartbeat, thyroid dysfunction, hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in the blood), blood disorders, anticholinergic effects, fructose intolerance, and psychosis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Carbamazepine as it may increase dizziness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionAvoid taking Carbamazepine if you are pregnant unless prescribed by a doctor as it could lead to serious birth defects. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedIt is safe to take Carbamazepine while breastfeeding. However, consult your doctor immediately if you think that the baby is having side-effects like excessive sleepiness, skin reactions or yellowing of skin or eyes.
Driving
unsafeCarbamazepine causes drowsiness, sleepiness and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
safe if prescribedCarbamazepine can be given to children above 6years if prescribed by the doctor. The dose will be adjusted by the doctor depending upon the child's body weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fats) is recommended for children with epilepsy. This diet helps in utilizing fat instead of glucose for the generation of energy.
- Atkins diet (high fat and controlled carbohydrates) is recommended for adolescents and adults.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Exercise, meditation and yoga can help lower the stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
- Prepare your living area; small changes may reduce the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
- Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of sodium levels while taking Carbamazepine is advised to prevent hyponatremia.
- Prolonged intake of Carbamazepine can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens Johnsons syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). So in case you have any skin blister or rash immediately contact a doctor.
- Carbamazepine may cause low blood cell count, so if you have any red or purple spots on the body, let your doctor know about this.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy/Seizures: Seizures, also known as fits or convulsions, is a single occurrence of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, whereas epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. The possible causes of epilepsy include traumatic brain injury, scarring on the brain after a brain injury, high fever, stroke, vascular diseases, lack of oxygen to the brain, brain tumours, and genetic disorders. Symptoms include mood changes, anxiousness, nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, muscle jerking, spasms, loss of balance, teeth clenching, rapid blinking or eye movements, biting the tongue, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Trigeminal neuralgia: It is a condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face that causes painful sensations similar to electric shock on one side of the face. Symptoms include mild to severe facial pain often triggered by speaking, chewing, or brushing the teeth.
FAQs
Carbamazepine decreases the brain's excessive and abnormal nerve activity by blocking sodium currents in your brain and body. This reduces abnormal electrical activity between your nerve cells.
Do not discontinue Carbamazepine without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually continue taking Carbamazepine for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Carbamazepine; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid worsening of seizures.
Carbamazepine may affect the way hormone contraceptives work in your body. This may cause spotting or breakthrough bleeding. Carbamazepine may increase the risk of pregnancy as it makes the contraceptive less effective. Talk to your doctor, he/she will discuss the most suitable type of contraception while taking Carbamazepine to avoid pregnancy.
Carbamazepine may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Maintain a healthy weight by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Use an effective contraception method during the treatment with Carbamazepine and 2 weeks after the last dose. Avoid getting pregnant while taking Carbamazepine as it could lead to serious congenital disabilities. Do not stop taking Carbamazepine without consulting your doctor.
Carbamazepine may cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). This could lead to confusion, reduced concentration, vision problems, nausea, vomiting or worsening of seizures. Regular monitoring of sodium levels is advised while taking Carbamazepine. Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Carbamazepine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
