TEGRETOL

Drug Name: TEGRETOL

TEGRETOL DESCRIPTION:
CARBAMAZEPINE - CHEWABLE TABLETS - ORAL (kar-bam-AZZ-eh-peen)

COMMON TEGRETOL BRAND NAME(S):
Tegretol

TEGRETOL 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 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. TEGRETOL 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 TEGRETOL:
TEGRETOL: Chew thoroughly before swallowing. May take with food to prevent stomach upset. Take TEGRETOL exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or stop taking TEGRETOL suddenly without first consulting your doctor. 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.

TEGRETOL WARNING:
TEGRETOL 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.

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

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

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

TEGRETOL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, including: anti-seizure medication, doxycycline, warfarin, danazol, erythromycin-like antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, lithium, haloperidol, certain SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluvoxamine), 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 of birth control. Consult your doctor. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. TEGRETOL may interfere with certain pregnancy tests. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TEGRETOL 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.

TEGRETOL NOTES:
It is recommended you wear or carry identification that shows you are using TEGRETOL. Do not share TEGRETOL with others. While taking TEGRETOL, lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check the drug's effects.

MISSED TEGRETOL 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.

TEGRETOL 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. 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.