Tegretol (carbamazepine) can help with seizure (convulsion) control in certain types of epilepsy.

Tegretol also treats nerve-related pain such as trigeminal neuralgia (severe pain in the jaws), and pain in the tongue and throat.

In addition, some doctors use Tegretol to treat alcohol withdrawal, cocaine addiction, and emotional disorders such as depression and abnormally aggressive behavior. The drug is also used to treat migraine headache and restless legs.

Tegretol contains the active ingredient carbamazepine, which is a medicine that is mainly used to treat epilepsy. Tegretol works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.

The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, the brain becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or

Tegretol should only be taken with meals, never on an empty stomach.

Tegretol CR tablets must be swallowed whole: do not crush or chew them and do not take tablets that have been damaged.

Adults
Seizures
The usual dose of Tegretol for adults and children over 12 years of age is 200 milligrams (1 tablet or 2 chewable or extended-release tablets) taken twice daily. Your doctor may increase the dose at weekly intervals by adding 200-milligram doses twice a day for Tegretol-CR or 3 or 4 times per day for the other

Tegretol can interact with many medicines and the dose of Tegretol or the interacting medicine may need to be altered as a result. It is important to tell your doctor what medicines you are taking, including herbal medicines and those bought without a prescription, before you start Tegretol . Likewise, once you are taking Tegretol it is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any new medicines, or stop taking any existing medicines.

Tegretol blood levels may be increased

Most Important Fact about Tegretol

Tegretol may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. For this reason you should consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• unexplained bruising or bleeding,
• purple spots,
• sore throat,
• mouth ulcers,
• high temperature (fever),
• feeling tired or general illness

Tegretol precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

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More common side effects of Tegretol may include:

confusion

lightheadedness

mood changes, nervousness, or hostility

unusual tiredness or weakness

clumsiness or unsteadiness

diarrhea or constipation

mild dizziness or drowsiness

headache

increased sensitivity to the sun

increased sweating

nausea

Less common side effects of Tegretol may include:

blurred or double vision, uncontrollable eye movements

chest pain or tightness

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