Pronunciation: KAR-ba-MAZ-e-peen
Generic Name: Carbamazepine
Brand Name: Equetro
Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may rarely cause severe blood problems (eg, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis). Contact your doctor right away if you develop fever, chills, or sore throat; rash; ulcers or sores in the mouth; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; or swollen lymph nodes. Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, will be performed before and during treatment with Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. These tests will be used to check for side effects.
Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may rarely cause serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions. Contact your doctor at once if you develop red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever. The risk of this reaction may be greater in Asian patients. Asian patients may need to have a blood test before they start Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules to determine whether they have a greater risk of developing a severe skin reaction.
Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules are used for:
Treating manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules are an antipsychotic. Exactly how it works to treat bipolar disorder is not known.
Do NOT use Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules
- you are allergic to tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), cyclobenzaprine, or similar medicines
- you have a history of bone marrow depression, the blood disorder porphyria, or other serious blood disorders
- you have a severe heart problem called heart block (atrioventricular block)
- you are taking nefazodone
- you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) or you have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days
- you are taking another medicine that contains carbamazepine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.
Before using Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules:
Some medical conditions may interact with Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you are allergic to any seizure medicines (eg, phenytoin, phenobarbital)
- if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy, increased pressure in the eye (eg, glaucoma), liver or kidney problems, other mood or mental problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or multiple sclerosis
- if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure, heart block, irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), high blood pressure, or high blood cholesterol
- if you have a history of blood problems, including blood problems caused by other medicine
- if you have been test and know whether or not you have a gene type called HLA-B*1502
- if you have previously taken carbamazepine
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because of a severe reaction, including severe high blood pressure and high fever, may occur
- Other medicines that contain carbamazepine because they may increase the risk of Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules's side effects
- Nefazodone because its effectiveness may be decreased by Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules
- Many other prescription and nonprescription medicines (eg, used for asthma, blood thinning, diabetes, infections, inflammation, aches and pains, high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, birth control, hormone replacement, mental or mood problems, sleep, seizures), multivitamin products, and herbal or dietary supplements (eg, herbal teas, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort) may also interact with Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if any of your medicines might interfere with Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules:
Use Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules by mouth with or without food.
- Swallow Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the contents over a teaspoonful of applesauce or similar food. Mix the medicine with the applesauce or similar food and swallow the mixture right away, followed by a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine before swallowing.
- Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the risk of Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules's side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- Take Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
- Taking Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules.
Important safety information:
- Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are using Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Patients who take Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Patients who have bipolar (manic-depressive) illness may also have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch patients who take Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Patients who have a certain gene type called HLA-B*1502 may have an increased risk for serious skin reactions from Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. This gene type is found most commonly in Asian patients. Tell your doctor if you have been tested and know whether or not you have the HLA-B*1502 gene type. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may interfere with pregnancy tests results. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules.
- Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
- Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules may cause the results of some pregnancy tests to be wrong. Check with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy test results.
- Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, liver and kidney function, eye exams, and carbamazepine blood levels, may be performed while you use Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially agitation or confusion.
- Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules while pregnant. Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules.
Possible side effects of Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; nausea; unsteadiness; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; calf pain, swelling, or tenderness; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; joint pain; loss of appetite; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression); menstrual changes; pain, tenderness, or unusual swelling in the neck, groin, or under the arms; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; speech problems; stomach pain; sudden, unusual weight gain; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; swollen lymph nodes; ulcers or sores in the mouth; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vision or eye problems; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Carbamazepine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include decreased urination; fast or irregular heartbeat; loss of consciousness; muscle twitching or tremor; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; severe nausea or vomiting; slow, shallow, or irregular breathing.
Proper storage of Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules:
Store Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Carbamazepine Sustained-Release Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Carbamazepine resources
- Carbamazepine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Carbamazepine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Carbamazepine Drug Interactions
- Carbamazepine Support Group
- 80 Reviews for Carbamazepine - Add your own review/rating
Compare Carbamazepine with other medications
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- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
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