Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Tegretol

Tegretol: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Tegretol?

Tegretol is an anti-epileptic medication marketed by Novartis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. It contains carbamazepine as its active ingredient and is indicated for the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. Carbamazepine is a tricyclic compound, and it acts by inhibiting the sodium channels during the phases of rapid neuronal firing and prevents the onset of seizures. Tegretol is available in 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg chewable tablets and syrup formulations.

What are the uses of Tegretol?

  • Tegretol is used as the first line of treatment for epilepsy and convulsions. Tegretol is primarily indicated for treating and preventing partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures.
  • Tegretol is also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (characterized by nerve pain in the head, face, and neck) and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
  • Tegretol is also used for diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain related to diabetes).
  • Tegretol is also used in a few cases for the treatment of bipolar manic disorders.

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    What are the side effects of Tegretol?

    Common side effects

    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Drowsiness
    • Dizziness
    • Dry mouth
    • Constipation
    • Itching
    • Loss of coordination
    • Fatigue

    Serious side effects

    • Dark urine
    • Skin rashes
    • Confusion
    • Increased seizures
    • Severe headaches
    • Epistaxis
    • Gum bleeding
    • Severe weakness
    • Appetite loss
    • Pounding or slow heartbeats
    • Fever or Chills

    Most of these side effects associated with Tegretol are self-limiting and do not require any medical attention. However, if the symptoms persist and start bothering you or getting worse, you should immediately seek medical attention.

    What is Tegretol

    Uses of Tegretol

    Side effects of Tegretol

    References

    1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1014814924965
    2. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Carbamazepine-(Tegretol)#:~:text=Carbamazepine%20is%20a%20mood%20stabilizer,of%20depression%20and%2For%20mania.
    3. https://www.cochrane.org/CD007124/EPILEPSY_fast-release-versus-slow-release-carbamazepine-medication-patients-epilepsy
    4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6796303/#:~:text=Carbamazepine%20(CBZ)%20decreases%20the%20serum,substituted%20with%20thyroxine%20(T4).
    5. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/carbamazepine/#:~:text=It%20can%20take%201%20to,take%20carbamazepine%20for%20several%20years.
    6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S105913110300195X

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Tegretol

    Tegretol is a prescription medication and has to be strictly taken at the prescribed dose and frequency. Usually, doctors will taper the dose before discontinuing Tegretol. You should not discontinue on your own as it could precipitate seizures or cause excessive nervous excitation. Consult our experts for information regarding the use of Tegretol.

    Tegretol is a psychotropic medication that belongs to the mood-stabilizer class of drugs. It acts on the brain to stabilize neuronal firing and has been approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder that has episodes of mania and depression. We recommend you consult our doctors for expert opinions on the use of Tegretol.

    Tegretol and Tegretol CR both contain carbamazepine as the main active ingredient. Tegretol CR is a controlled release formulation that is slow acting and has a prolonged effect as a small amount of drug is released in the body. However, Tegretol is a faster-acting formulation, and the drug is quickly eliminated from the body.

    Tegretol is indicated for the treatment of seizures and convulsions. However, in a few patients, it can cause increased seizures or can induce seizures. If you experience seizures or convulsions after use of Tegretol, You should immediately consult your doctor and seek medical attention. Consult our medical experts for opinions on the use of Tegretol.

    Carbamazepine, the active ingredient of Tegretol, is known to affect the thyroid hormones and reduce the levels of thyroid function tests. Carbamazepine reduces the serum concentration of these hormones by accentuating their metabolism, especially thyroxine (T4). Carbamazepine is also known to increase the levels of thyrotropin.

    Usually, it takes around 1-2 weeks for Tegretol to start working for the treatment of bipolar disorders and alleviate the symptoms. However, it should be continued as prescribed by your doctor, and you might need to take it for several years based on your symptoms. Consult our doctors for expert opinions on the use of Tegretol.

    Tegretol is not a controlled substance as per the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Although carbamazepine belongs to the dibenzazepine class of anticonvulsants, still it has not been classified as a controlled substance. It is indicated for mood stabilization, neuropathic pain, and seizures; and is less likely to cause euphoria and make you high.

    Tegretol is known to affect the level of sex hormones in women and cause significant disturbances in the menstrual cycle. Long-term use of Tegretol can cause increased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and reduced levels of estradiol, leading to menstrual irregularities. Consult our doctors for information regarding the side effects of Tegretol.

    Tegretol acts to stabilize the electrical activity of the brain and nervous system. It reduces the hyperactivity of neurons and stabilizes the neuronal firing by inhibiting the sodium channels, leading to the reduced build-up of electrical signals that could cause epilepsy. It also reduces the levels of glutamate- a neurotransmitter that could accentuate seizures.

    Tegretol has the potential to cause euphoria and make you feel high, especially if abused. Intentional overdose or abuse can lead to carbamazepine toxicity, resulting in euphoria, especially in adolescents. You should consult your doctor if you experience too much excitement or euphoria. Consult our doctors for more information on the use of Tegretol.

    Tegretol is an anti-consultant drug that is also being indicated for the treatment of nerve pain associated with Trigeminal neuralgia or diabetic neuropathy. It does not belong to the painkiller class of drugs used for muscle or joint pain. Consult our doctors for more information on various indications of Tegretol.