ATRETOL

Drug Name: ATRETOL

ATRETOL DESCRIPTION:
CARBAMAZEPINE - ORAL (kar-bam-AZZ-eh-peen)

COMMON ATRETOL BRAND NAME(S):
Tegretol

ATRETOL SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, mood changes, changes in vision, muscle aches, and restlessness. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Notify your doctor if you develop: sore throat, fever, chills, stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, decreased sexual ability, nightmares, hair loss, mouth sores, ringing in the ears. ATRETOL can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear a sunscreen and protective clothing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ATRETOL:
ATRETOL: Take with food to prevent stomach upset. Take ATRETOL as prescribed. Do not stop taking ATRETOL suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur. For seizure control, it is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

ATRETOL WARNING:
ATRETOL has rarely caused blood disorders (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis). Promptly notify your doctor if you experience sore throat, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising. You will be monitored to minimize the possibility of these symptoms occurring.

ATRETOL USES:
ATRETOL is used to treat seizure disorders and certain types of nerve pain.

OTHER USES OF ATRETOL:
ATRETOL may also be used for emotional/mental conditions, in certain substance abuse rehabilitation programs and has other uses as well.

ATRETOL PRECAUTIONS:
Before using ATRETOL tell your doctor your medical history especially of: glaucoma, high blood pressure, history of blood clots, blood disorders, heart problems, blood vessel problems, liver conditions, mental/mood disorders, any allergies. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness and limit alcohol consumption. ATRETOL is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using ATRETOL. ATRETOL is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ATRETOL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, including: anti-seizure medication, birth control pills, doxycycline, warfarin, danazol, erythromycin-like antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, lithium, haloperidol, SSRI antidepressants, nefazodone, cimetidine, propoxyphene, isoniazid, narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine). Tell your doctor if you have taken MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two weeks. Be very careful to read all labels on any over-the-counter preparations used to treat cough and colds, allergies or sleeplessness. They may add to the drowsiness effects of this drug. Consult your pharmacist about this before using any of these products. Carbamazepine may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills; you may need to use additional methods for birth control. Consult your doctor. ATRETOL may interfere with certain pregnancy tests. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ATRETOL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, deep sleep, tremor, rapid eye movements, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching, large pupils, fainting, and irregular breathing.

ATRETOL NOTES:
It is recommended you wear or carry identification indicating you are using ATRETOL. Do not share ATRETOL with others. Lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check for the drug's effects.

MISSED ATRETOL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose daily.

ATRETOL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.