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What is Carbatrol
CarbamazepineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCarbamazepine, sold as the brand name Tegretol, is a medication used to treat seizures and nerve pain. It was first approved by the FDA in 1965, and is also used to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Carbamazepine was the first anticonvulsant drug used to treat bipolar disorder.
Tegretolis the brand name
Carbatrol Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Tegretol
Carbamazepine
1968
259
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Carbamazepine, commonly known as Tegretol, is approved by the FDA for 7 uses like Partial Seizures With Secondary Generalization and Trigeminal Neuralgia .Partial Seizures With Secondary Generalization
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Helps manage Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
Seizures
Acute Mania
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Chronic Pain
Helps manage Pain
Effectiveness
How Carbatrol Affects PatientsCarbamazepine is used to treat seizures and the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. It has also been found to help ease the symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, it can be dangerous to some people - those with a certain gene (HLA-B*1502) may suffer from a severe skin reaction if they take it.
How Carbatrol works in the bodyCarbamazepine helps treat seizures and pain by blocking nerve firing. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to decrease the stimulation of nerves and reduce pain caused by nerve stimulation. It does this by binding to sodium channels and stopping action potentials. In people with bipolar disorder, it is thought to increase dopamine and GABA levels, helping to treat manic and depressive symptoms. Unfortunately, up to 30% of epileptic patients can become resistant to the drug, likely due to altered metabolism from variant genotypes. Recent research suggests that resistance to carbamazepine may be caused by changes in the EPHX1 gene promoter.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended dosage of Carbatrol is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Partial Seizures With Secondary Generalization, Bipolar Disorder and Trigeminal Neuralgia. The measure of dosage also fluctuates depending on the course of administration featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Syndrome
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Bipolar Disorder
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Partial Seizures With Secondary Generalization
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Bipolar Disorder
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Chronic Pain
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Trigeminal Neuralgia
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Acute Mania
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Seizures
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Oral
Warnings
Carbatrol has six contraindications, so it should not be taken in conjunction with the conditions indicated in the following table.Carbatrol ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Bone Marrow
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Carbamazepine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Carbatrol Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
1,2-Benzodiazepine
Major
The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be increased when combined with Carbamazepine.
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Carbamazepine is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid
Major
The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be increased when combined with Carbamazepine.
5-androstenedione
Major
The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be increased when combined with Carbamazepine.
7,8-Dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Carbamazepine is combined with 7,8-Dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.
Carbatrol Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of carbamazepine for a female is 1920mg/kg/17W and for a male is 54mg/kg/9D. If someone has overdosed on carbamazepine, the signs and symptoms may start to appear 1-3 hours after ingestion. These can include rapid heartbeat or breathing, high or low blood pressure, twitching muscles, wide pupils, confusion, nausea, vomiting, feeling faint, or difficulty urinating. If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center. Treatment may include monitoring by a medical professional and providing supportive care. In cases of multiple drugs being taken,
Carbatrol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Carbatrol?
179 active clinical trials are currently evaluating the potential of Carbatrol to provide relief from Partial Seizures With Secondary Generalization, Trigeminal Neuralgia and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Bipolar Disorder
0 Actively Recruiting
Syndrome
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Partial Seizures With Secondary Generalization
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Bipolar Disorder
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Trigeminal Neuralgia
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Pain
174 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Acute Mania
0 Actively Recruiting
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Seizures
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Carbatrol Reviews: What are patients saying about Carbatrol?
5Patient Review
10/4/2010 Carbatrol has been hugely effective in reducing the frequency and severity of my bipolar mood swings. They're less violent, shorter, and overall just not as bad. I'm currently trying a different antipsychotic to help me get my symptoms under 100% control, but without Carbatrol I would probably be in a mental institution right now.
5Patient Review
8/18/2014 I was on this treatment for almost a year, and it worked great. However, my doctor switched me to Trileptal 600mg twice a day six days ago, and I've been having seizures since then. I'm trying to get back on the old medication because it clearly works better for me.
5Patient Review
2/19/2014 I've been taking this medication for over 20 years and I'm only now having issues with low sodium levels. I wish a doctor had warned me earlier that this could be a problem.
5Patient Review
2/12/2016 I've had seizures for 15 years and no drug helped. I had brain surgery and that didn't work. Carbatrol stopped the seizures 100%. I've been taking it for 15 years now with no side affects. Generic carbatrol didn't work.
5Patient Review
2/22/2012 While the medication does work well for trigeminal neuralgia, I really hate the side effects. These include slurred speech, confusion, and blurry vision. Sometimes the meds make me feel slow and forgetful, but that's better than TN pain.
5Patient Review
8/25/2010 Carbatrol has been a lifesaver for me. I've been seizure-free as long as I remember to take it every day, which is easy enough to do.
5Patient Review
8/3/20105Patient Review
8/3/2010 This medication has been a godsend for me. I've been dealing with some severe pain lately and this has really helped to take the edge off.
5Patient Review
9/17/2012 After six weeks of age 5 years, there were more cons than pros. The child became overly friendly, loud and stuttering. However, their appetite did improve.
4.7Patient Review
12/4/2010 This medicine has been incredibly effective in treating my trigeminal neuralgia. I have experienced some side effects, but they are manageable and pale in comparison to the alternative of surgery.
4.7Patient Review
7/5/2011 I had a severe skin reaction to this medication, with blisters all over my body and swelling of the face and mouth. The symptoms were painful and lasted for several days.
3.3Patient Review
8/29/2014 I've been seizure-free for over a decade thanks to this treatment, but I recently had a couple of seizures. I realized that I'd been getting careless and not following my triggers or taking my pills at 12 hour intervals. I'm going to be more vigilant from now on.
3.3Patient Review
3/16/2012 With the right dosage of Carbamazepine, my seizure symptoms have nearly disappeared.
2.7Patient Review
7/11/2012 I used this for a long time to manage trigeminal neuralgia, but now I'm struggling with erectile dysfunction. I stopped taking the medication 4 months ago-- will my ED reverse itself?
2.3Patient Review
2/21/2011 I took tegretol for a long time after I had brain surgery in 1999. I have been taking this drug for 7 years now and have seen good results. I take 6 pills a day including this one.
2.3Patient Review
4/3/2011 This medication has helped to control my seizures (6-8 per year, occurring every three months) from happening 3-4 times per month. This effectiveness has lasted for 10 years, and I am very pleased with the results!
Patient Q&A Section about carbatrol
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is carbatrol an antidepressant?
"Carbamazepine is a mood stabilizer that works in the brain to treat bipolar 1 disorder, epilepsy, and trigeminal neuralgia."
Answered by AI
What is the drug carbatrol used for?
"This medication is used to treat seizures or nerve pain. It works by reducing the spread of seizure activity in the brain and restoring the normal balance of nerve activity."
Answered by AI
Is carbatrol and carbamazepine the same?
"The brand name drug Carbatrol is an extended-release formulation of Carbamazepine for twice a day administration. The generic name for Carbatrol is Carbamazepine. The regular Carbamazepine formulation is administered three or four times a day."
Answered by AI
What are common side effects of carbamazepine?
"You may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, or unsteadiness. If you experience any of these effects for an extended period of time, or if they worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI