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Overview
Tegretol is prescribed for the control of a variety of seizure disorders.
It is also used as a special kind of pain reliever for trigeminal neuralgia which produces severe facial pain.
Although the Food and Drug Administration has not approved Tegretol for other uses, doctors sometimes prescribe it for a variety of psychiatric disorders, alcohol withdrawal and restless leg syndrome.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects associated with Tegretol include dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination, unsteadiness, mood changes, nausea, vomiting, stomachache and loss of appetite.
Other adverse reactions to be alert for include both diarrhea and constipation, rash, itching, urinary difficulties, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, swollen legs and feet, heart failure, blood pressure problems, fainting, sexual problems, dehydration, unexplained sore throat with fever and chills, mouth ulcers, and aching joints and muscles.
Blood tests are needed to detect kidney failure, liver enzyme elevations, and blood disorders. Report any symptoms to your physician immediately.
A large number of over-the-counter and prescription medications may interact with Tegretol in a dangerous way.
Some drugs, such as Biaxin, erythromycin, Darvon or Darvocet DN 100, can make Tegretol much more toxic, with dangerous blood levels building up surprisingly quickly.
Other anticonvulsants interact with Tegretol in complicated ways and may even reduce its effectiveness.
In addition, Tegretol can interfere with the benefits of many other compounds.
Just a few of the many drugs that interact with Tegretol include several different kinds of antidepressant, the blood thinner Coumadin, the ulcer drug Tagamet, the heart and blood pressure pills Cardizem CD, Calan SR and Verelan, and certain antibiotics such as tetracycline, Vibramycin and INH.
Other medications that may cause problems include the asthma drug theophylline, Haldol, Sandimmune, Danocrine and even flu vaccine and activated charcoal.
It's possible that flavonoids found in the herb echinacea affect the enzyme (CYP 3A4) responsible for metabolizing many common drugs. If so, medications such as Tegretol could reach higher levels in the body.
The herb St. Jone's wort might speed elimination of Tegretol from the body, which could reduce its effectiveness.
Psyllium can affect the absorption of Tgretol; if you take it, it is best to do so at least an hour after taking Tegretol.
Do not take any other medications or herbs without first checking with your physician and pharmacist.
Special Precautions
Some people should not take Tegretol.
Elderly patients may be especially susceptible to side effects of confusion, agitation or even psychosis.
People with glaucoma, heart disease, kidney problems, liver damage, lupus or a history of blood disorders should take Tegretol only under close medical supervision, if at all.
This medicine can produce a dangerous anemia or blood disorder that can be life-threatening. Periodic blood tests, particularly during the first two months, are crucial to reduce the risk of this hazard.
Pregnant women should use Tegretol only after careful evaluation and discussions with an obstetrician.
Anticonvulsants in general have the potential to cause birth defects.
Taking the Medicine
Tegretol is best absorbed when it is taken with meals. This should also reduce the likelihood of stomach upset.
To maintain its effectiveness, this medicine should be stored in a tightly closed container away from heat and humidity.
Stopping it abruptly could lead to seizures and should be avoided.
Did this drug work? Average rating: 2.8/5 (12 votes)
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will it be safe to take ibuprofen for headache while taken tegretol?
I take 800 mg of carbamazepine a day AND 60 MG of baclofen a day for trigeminal neuralgia a day. I have the side effects of unsteadiness, shaking of my hands, crying, pulsating through my body, prickly face. I am afraid to drive, but need to. My reflexes are not correct. I need to take this much medicine to stop the pain in my left jaw. What can be done?
I take carbamazipine and want to know if I can use Ibuprofen for arthritis. I get it periodically and use 800 milligrams once per day about 2-3 timer per month and it works great. Is this ok to use along with carbamazepine?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE RECOMMEND USING iGuard (www.iGuard.org) TO CHECK INTERACTIONS.
I take Tegretol for Trigeminal Neuralgia. Do you know of any alternative treatments?
St. Johns wort has been recommended, but I read on your website that it may reduce the effectiveness of Tegretol.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: DO NOT MIX ST. JOHN'S WORT WITH TEGRETOL.
My partner has been admitted to hospital with Stevens Johnson Syndrome 2 weeks after taking Tegretol she is over 50 and of Asian background, very serious side-effects, skin rash and mouth blisters
I have taken various forms of Tegretol for roughly the past 20 years for control of seizures. For me, it has been effective with relatively few side effects. As far as ibuprofen, I have never been advised to avoid it, and was at one point taking 1200mg per day of ibuprofen by prescription after an injury.
I have been taking carbamazepine for trigemilal neuralgia for about3 months. I also take amitriptyline for fibromylasia. My Dr. prescribed both of these. My insurance company notified her I could not take both. What side effect do they have together and why would she order both knowing they don't go together?
I am currently taking 800mg/day Tegretol and 1200mg of gabapentin for trigeminal neuralgia and it has helped my pain tremendously. While I tritated to the 800mg Tegretol, it took my body a few days to get used to the drug, but I feel fine now. I did recently strain the muscle in my upper arm and would like to take either Advil or Tylenol for the pain. Any issues with doing that?
I am taking 1600mg of Tegretol for trigrminal neuralgia and it does not completely stop the shocks or burning pain. I have trembling hands and find it difficult to type. Do not drink alcohol as it makes this trembling worse. The side effects and lack of pain control make this drug not an option for me though I wish it worked.