Tegretol SR 200 mg 50 tablets

Carbamazepine is used:

• To treat some forms of epilepsy
• To treat a painful condition of the face called trigeminal neuralgia.
• To help control serious mood disorders when some other medicines do not work.

Do not take carbamazepine if:

• You think you may be hypersensitive to carbamazepine or similar medicines such as oxcarbazepine, or to any of a related group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or imipramine).
• You think you may be allergic to any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
• You have any heart problems,
• I have had serious blood diseases in the past,
• If you have bone marrow problems,
• You have a blood disorder called porphyria.
• Have taken medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are used to treat depression, within the past 14 days.
• You were taking herbal preparations containing St. John's wort.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking carbamazepine if:
• You have blood problems (including those caused by other medicines)
• You are allergic to phenytoin (a medicine used to treat epilepsy)
• You have a form of epilepsy where you have mixed seizures that include absence.
• Have you ever had any heart, liver or kidney problems?
• You are over 65 years old
• You have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
• You have any eye problems such as glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• You have difficulty emptying your bladder (urinary retention)
• You have problems with your mental health.
• You have thinning bones (osteoporosis or osteoporosis).
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss with you the possible risks of taking carbamazepine during pregnancy because it may cause harm or birth defects to the fetus.

Possible side effects of carbamazepine:

Other side effects of carbamazepine include:

• Low white blood cell count (low white blood cell count that makes it easier to catch an infection). Dizziness and tiredness. Feeling unsteady or having difficulty controlling movements; Feeling or being sick; Changes in liver enzyme levels (usually without any symptoms); Skin reactions that may be severe.
• Blood changes including increased tendency to bruise or bleed; Fluid retention and swelling; Weight gain; Low sodium in the blood which may cause confusion; Headache; Double or blurred vision; Dry mouth.
• Abnormal involuntary movements including tremors or twitches. Abnormal eye movements. Diarrhea; constipation.

Other medications and carbamazepine:

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Hormonal contraceptives, such as pills, patches, injections, or implants.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Carbamazepine can make HRT less effective.
• Any medications for depression or anxiety.
• Corticosteroids (“steroids”). You may take these medications to treat inflammatory conditions such as:
• Asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, muscle and joint pain.
• Anticoagulants to stop blood clotting.
• Antibiotics to treat infections including skin infections and tuberculosis (eg, ciprofloxacillin).
• Antifungals to treat fungal infections.
• Painkillers containing paracetamol, dextropropoxyphene, tramadol, methadone or buprenorphine.
• Other medications for the treatment of epilepsy.
• Medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems.
• Antihistamines (medicines to treat allergies such as hay fever, itching, etc.).
• Diuretics (water pills).
• Cimetidine or omeprazole (medicines used to treat stomach ulcers).
• Isotretinoin (a medication used to treat acne).
• Metoclopramide or aprepitant (anti-nausea medications).
• Acetazolamide (a medicine used to treat glaucoma - increased pressure in the eye).
• Danazol or gestrinone (treatments for endometriosis).
• Theophylline or aminophylline (used to treat asthma).
• Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or sirolimus (immunosuppressants used after transplants, but sometimes also used to treat arthritis or psoriasis).

How to take carbamazepine:

The usual doses for treating epilepsy are:

Adults:

• 800-1200 mg per day, although higher doses may be necessary.
• If you are elderly, you may need a lower dose.

children:

• 5-10 years: 400-600 mg daily
• 10-15 years: 600-1000 mg daily.
• For the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, the usual dose is: 600-800 mg per day.
• The maximum dose is 1200 mg daily. If you are elderly, you may need a lower dose.
• For the treatment of mood swings: The usual dose is: 400-600 mg per day.

How to store carbamazepine:

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Must be stored in the original package to protect from moisture.
• Do not take carbamazepine after the expiry date which is printed on the outer carton.

* The dosage form and route of administration of Carbamazepine 100 mg/5 ml oral suspension and Carbamazepine 200 mg and 400 mg extended-release tablets should be determined according to the therapeutic indication and severity of the disease for each individual patient.