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What is Tegretol
CarbamazepineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCarbamazepine, also known as Tegretol, is a medication that helps control seizures and relieves pain caused by a nerve disorder called trigeminal neuralgia. It was approved by the FDA in 1965 and is also sometimes prescribed to treat people with bipolar disorder.
Tegretolis the brand name
Tegretol 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 Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar Disorder .Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Partial Seizures With Secondary Generalization
Seizures
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Helps manage Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
Acute Mania
Chronic Pain
Helps manage Pain
Effectiveness
How Tegretol Affects PatientsCarbamazepine is used to control seizures and pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. It has also been found to help reduce manic episodes in those with bipolar 1 disorder. It is important to note that the effects of this drug vary between people, so it can be difficult to determine the right dosage. For those of Han Chinese ancestry, there is an increased risk of developing serious skin problems (Steven Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis) when taking this drug.
How Tegretol works in the bodyThe exact way Carbamazepine works is not well understood, but it is thought to stop nerve signals from firing, which can help reduce seizures. It has also been shown to decrease pain caused by nerve stimulation. By binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels, it prevents action potentials from occurring, leading to a decrease in stimulation. In bipolar disorder, it is believed that Carbamazepine increases dopamine turnover and GABA transmission, which helps manage manic and depressive symptoms. Unfortunately, in some cases, patients can become resistant to Carbamazepine, and a recent study has identified a gene promoter (EPHX1) as a potential
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended amount of Tegretol depends upon the identified affliction, for example Partial Seizures With Secondary Generalization, Bipolar Disorder and Trigeminal Neuralgia. The degree of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery as depicted in the table beneath.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
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
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
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
Tegretol 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 Tegretol 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.
Tegretol Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of carbamazepine for women is 1920mg/kg over 17 weeks and 54mg/kg over 9 days for men. Symptoms of carbamazepine overdose may appear 1-3 hours after ingestion and can include increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, twitching, trembling, and dilated pupils. Other effects may include nausea, vomiting, difficulty urinating, dizziness, and confusion. If someone has overdosed on carbamazepine, contact a poison control center immediately and provide supportive and symptomatic treatment. It is important to also consider the possibility of an overdose involving multiple drugs. Make sure
Tegretol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Tegretol?
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
175 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
Tegretol Reviews: What are patients saying about Tegretol?
5Patient Review
6/23/2014 I've been on this medication for 24 years, ever since I was a child. In all that time, I never experienced any negative side effects that I'm aware of. It's really helped me to live a normal life.
5Patient Review
12/10/2014 I've been taking this drug for 25 years to help stabilize my mood and it works great! I'm able to do without the regular blood tests for Tegritol levels and sodium, which is very convenient.
5Patient Review
7/9/2015 I have mostly complex partial seizures, but have also experienced petite mal and grand mal. I have taken this for 25 years and it works very well for me.
4.3Patient Review
8/16/2018 I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia a month ago and the pain was unbearable. I went to the ER and was given 200 mg of Tegretol. The medication stopped the pain, but it also made me into a zombie. I'm 71 years old and very active; I go to school and play cello. But now I feel like my life is over because I have to choose between being in excruciating pain or being a zombie. And unfortunately, right now I have to choose zombie. This whole experience has broken my heart and left me feeling depressed and overweight (I've gained 5 lbs in one month).
4Patient Review
12/31/2014 I'm feeling better overall, but I have experienced some hair loss as a result of this medication. Has anybody else had this side effect?
3.7Patient Review
6/11/2017 I took 1,200 mg of Tegratol daily for 5 years in the late 90's. While it did do its job, it also erased my memory of those 5 years of life. I have virtually no memories of high school
3.7Patient Review
4/28/2022 I've been taking this medication for 16 years to help manage my bipolar disorder. While there are some side effects that I experience (sun sensitivity, memory problems, weight gain), they don't inhibit my quality of life too much.
3.7Patient Review
10/8/2022 This medication was helpful in reducing my nerve pain. However, when taken with an antidepressant, it made me feel emotionally blank and lifeless. The withdrawal process can be tough, so make sure to do it slowly and under medical supervision if possible.
3.7Patient Review
10/13/2014 I was experiencing facial pain for about a month before my oral surgeon recommended I see a neurologist. They prescribed me Tegretol, which did help with the pain. However, now I'm having throat pain as a side effect, which the doctor says he's never heard of before. He told me to keep taking the medication until my next appointment next week. Has anyone else had this issue?
2.3Patient Review
12/9/2014 Despite taking this medication, I'm still having auras about six to nine times every month. It just hasn't been effective for me.
2Patient Review
10/28/2015 Unfortunately, this put my wife into cardiac arrest five times.
1.3Patient Review
8/16/2017 My husband used to have a photographic memory, but after taking this treatment his long-term memory was completely erased.
1Patient Review
10/9/2014 I experienced severe bone marrow suppression, and it was honestly a miracle that I didn't die. I needed multiple transfusions and had all sorts of other issues like double vision and feeling drunk all the time. Please, please stay away from this medication.
1Patient Review
10/9/2014 Unfortunately, I had a very severe reaction to tegretol at week 8. I developed anemia and needed a blood transfusion. This is rare, but it happened to me.
Patient Q&A Section about tegretol
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How does Tegretol make you feel?
"The most common side effects of taking Tegretol are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting, especially when a person first starts taking it."
Answered by AI
What is the medication Tegretol used for?
"Carbamazepine is a mood stabilizer that affects the brain. It is used to treat bipolar 1 disorder, epilepsy, and trigeminal neuralgia. Bipolar disorder causes episodes of depression and/or mania."
Answered by AI
Does Tegretol make you feel high?
"Taking carbamazepine can make people feel very happy and content, which is more likely to cause teens to abuse and overdose on the drug."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking Tegretol?
"The following side effects may occur: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, or unsteadiness. If you experience any of these effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI