About carbamaze pine
Anticonvulsant; mood stabilizer
Used for
- Focal and generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Bipolar disorder, especially acute mania
Usual adult dose
Seizures: usually start 100–200 mg once or twice daily; increase gradually, commonly to 800–1,200 mg daily. Trigeminal neuralgia: start 100 mg twice daily and increase gradually.
Usual dose in children
Seizures: commonly start 10–20 mg/kg daily in divided doses, increasing gradually; maximum depends on age and specialist guidance.
Common side effects
- Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Low sodium or skin rash
Important warnings
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures may worsen.
- Rare severe skin reactions and blood disorders can occur.
- Seek urgent care for rash with blisters, mouth sores, fever, or facial swelling.
- Blood tests and sodium monitoring may be needed.
Pregnancy
Can cause birth defects and affect contraception; treatment requires specialist review. Do not stop suddenly during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Often compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor the infant for sleepiness, poor feeding, jaundice, or rash.
Interactions
- Reduces effectiveness of hormonal contraception.
- Many medicines alter carbamazepine levels; interactions include some antibiotics and antifungals.
- Can reduce levels and effects of warfarin and several other medicines.
- Grapefruit may raise carbamazepine levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.