TEGRETOL XR

Drug Name: TEGRETOL XR

TEGRETOL XR DESCRIPTION:
CARBAMAZEPINE EXTENDED RELEASE TABLETS - ORAL (kar-bam-AZZ-eh-peen)

COMMON TEGRETOL XR BRAND NAME(S):
Tegretol XR

TEGRETOL XR SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting. Unlikely to occur but report to your doctor if you develop any of the following side effects: blurred vision, unusual eye movements, aching joints, loss of appetite, increase in skin sensitivity to the sun, diarrhea, constipation, headache, mood changes, hair loss, unusual sweating, stomach pain, unusual skin eruptions, skin sores or skin ulcers, confusion or hostility, persistent headache, increase in seizures, unusual weakness, fever or sore throat. Very unlikely but report immediately to your doctor if you develop any of the following side effects: swollen glands, shortness of breath, wheezing, white spots on lips/mouth, unusual bleeding or bruising, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, swelling of legs/feet/hands or face, darkening urine, pale stools, yellowing of eyes or skin, unusual change in amount of urination, numbness/tingling in hands or feet. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TEGRETOL XR:
TEGRETOL XR: Take with food to prevent stomach upset. Take twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew. Tablets must be swallowed whole. Tablets should be inspected for chips and cracks and thrown away and not taken if the tablets are found to be damaged. Do not suddenly stop taking TEGRETOL XR without 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 XR WARNING:
TEGRETOL XR 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 XR USES:
TEGRETOL XR is used to treat seizure disorders and certain types of nerve pain.

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

TEGRETOL XR PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of having glaucoma, high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, any blood disease, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, history of alcohol/substance use, emotional or mental conditions and of any drug allergies. Carbamazepine may make you dizzy or drowsy so use caution when performing tasks that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. TEGRETOL XR may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Carbamazepine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. TEGRETOL XR passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

TEGRETOL XR DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use including other seizure medication, birth control pills, doxycycline, warfarin, danazol, erythromycin-like antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, lithium, haloperidol, certain SSRI antidepressants, cimetidine, isoniazid, propoxyphene, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), cyclosporine, acetaminophen, nefazodone and narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine). Tell your doctor if you have taken MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two weeks. Carbamazepine may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills; consult your doctor to discuss alternative birth control measures. TEGRETOL XR 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.

TEGRETOL XR 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 XR NOTES:
Do not share TEGRETOL XR with others. An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is not harmful.

MISSED TEGRETOL XR 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 XR 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.