Carbamazepine is known as an anti-epileptic or anticonvulsant drug used for seizures. The Food and Drug Administration has already approved this prescription. This helps reduce nerve impulses that cause seizures.

What condition does Carbamazepine treat?

Carbamazepine is used alone or in combination with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It occurs when there is an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Carbamazepine is in the class of drugs called anticonvulsants that lessens the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

This prescription may also be used to relieve certain types of nerve pain like trigeminal neuralgia. It is a sudden facial pain that is often described as a sharp shooting pain. It usually occurs in an unpredictable attack that lasts from a few seconds to about 2 minutes. Carbamazepine works in the nervous system and brain to control the pain.

How does Carbamazepine work?

Carbamazepine works by calming the electrical activity in the nerves and brain. These are made up of many nerve cells that connect through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully controlled for the nerve and brain to function correctly. If abnormally repetitive electrical signals are released in the nerves or brain, this can cause severe pain or seizures. This medication stops epileptic fits by stopping electrical signals from building up in the nerve cells and the brain. It is also by decreasing the release of a neurotransmitter called glutamate.

In trigeminal neuralgia, Carbamazepine lessens the pain by stabilizing the electrical activity in the nerves. This stops the pain signals from being sent to the brain.

What is the dosage of Carbamazepine?

Carbamazepine comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water. Each dose is taken with meals to lessen unwanted effects such as nausea or stomach upset.

• Usually in adults, the starting dose is 100 or 200 mg each day. The dosage is gradually increased every 1-2 weeks or as recommended by your doctor.
• In children under 6 years of age, the dosage is based on their weight. Usually, the starting dose for them is at 10 to 20 mg per kg and given 3-4 times a day.
• In both adults and children, the dosage is increased until the seizures stop or troublesome side effects occur.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, more often, and for a longer time than your doctor ordered. It may increase the chance of side effects. Also, do not change the dose that has been prescribed to you. If you missed a dose, contact your doctor and avoid taking two doses to make up for the missed one.

What are the precautions in taking Carbamazepine?

• Taking Carbamazepine during pregnancy can harm your unborn baby. It is important to use an effective method of birth control to avoid being pregnant. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
• You should not take Carbamazepine along with MAOI which is for depression.
• Check with your doctor right away if you have nosebleeds, fever, rash, sore throat, or swollen glands. These could be symptoms of a serious blood problem.
• This medicine can cause serious allergic reactions. This can be life-threatening and might need immediate medical attention. Let your doctor know right away if you have itching, trouble breathing, or any swelling.
• This medication might also cause some people to become dizzy or less alert than usual. It may also cause blurred vision, weakness, or loss of muscle control in some people. Do not do any activities that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Do not stop taking this remedy without first checking your doctor. Your doctor may need you to slowly decrease the amount you are using before stopping it.
• Do not take other medications unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes non-prescription or prescription medicines and vitamins or herbal supplements.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment. Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medicine.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug such as unsteadiness or confusion which can be an increased risk of falling. Monitor older adults while they are taking this medication.