Tegretol
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Tegretol
Tegretol is an anticonvulsant. It controls seizures by blocking certain nerve impulses in the brain. In trigeminal neuralgia it acts by altering nerve impulses in certain facial nerves, which relieves pain.
Therapeutic Uses of Tegretol
Tegretol is used for treatment (controlling) of certain types of epileptic seizures. It is also used to treat severe pain of the jaw or cheek caused by a facial nerve problem known as trigeminal neuralgia. It can also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Tegretol
Use Tegretol as directed by your doctor or as follows:
- Tegretol should be taken orally with or without food.
- Take Tegretol on a regular schedule to get the maximum benefit from it. Taking Tegretol at the same time each day will also help you to remember to take it.
- Do not stop taking Tegretol suddenly, as the chances of risk of side effects like seizures are much higher. If you need to stop Tegretol or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose of Tegretol.
- Keep taking Tegretol even if you feel well, without missing any dose.
- If you have any question about Tegretol, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If You Miss a Dose of Tegretol
If you miss a dose of Tegretol, take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Tegretol and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take 2 doses of Tegretol at a time.
How to Store Tegretol
Tegretol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store it in bathroom. Keep Tegretol out of the reach of children.
More Information About Tegretol
Tegretol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. You should consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Tegretol
Do not use Tegretol if you have any of the medical problems listed here and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Tegretol.
- If you are allergic to cyclobenzaprine or similar medicines, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline.
- If you have a severe heart problem called atrioventricular block.
- If you have a history of bone marrow problems, the blood disorder porphyria, or other serious blood disorders.
- If you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine or if you have taken an MAOI within the last 2 weeks.
- If you are taking nefazodone.
Important notes about Tegretol:
- Tegretol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurring of vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks like driving or operating heavy machinery which need constant attention and monitoring, until you know how you react to it. Use Tegretol with caution.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: Do not take Tegretol if you are pregnant as it can cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor as you should discuss the benefits and risks of using Tegretol while you are pregnant. Tegretol is secreted in breast milk and you should not breast you’re your baby while taking Tegretol without consulting your doctor.
- Tegretol may be the cause of some wrong pregnancy tests results. Consult with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy test results.
- Do not take Tegretol more than the recommended dose of it by your doctor.
- Tegretol may lower the ability of your body to fight infection (reduce body’s immunity) and you should avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- Tegretol can reduce the number of blood clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that can cause injury. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you are on Tegretol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, and emergency surgery etc.
- You should not switch from the tablets form of Tegretol to the suspension form without asking with your doctor. The same dose may not have the same effects in tablet form and suspension form.
- Tegretol may interfere with certain lab tests, like thyroid function tests. Your doctor and lab personnel should know you are using Tegretol, before you undergo any lab test.
Possible Adverse Effects of Tegretol
- Common and minor side effects of Tegretol are vomiting, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, unsteadiness etc. If any of these minor side effects become troublesome or persistent, you should get medical help.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects of Tegretol. The serious and less common side effects of Tegretol are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty in breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe vomiting; black or tarry stools, blood in stool; calf pain, swelling, or tenderness, chest pain, stomach pain, joint pain; change in the amount of urine produced (usually less urine production), dark color urine; confusion, hallucinations, mental or mood change, decreased coordination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat (symptoms of infection), loss of appetite; pain, tenderness, or unusual swelling in the neck, groin, or under the arms; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent nausea, shortness of breath; speech problems; sudden unusual weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; swollen lymph nodes; ulcers or sores in the mouth; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vision or eye problems; yellowing of the skin or eyes.