Carbamazepine is a drug to control and prevent seizures due to epilepsy. This drug is also used to treat pain in the face due to disorders of the trigeminal nerve.trigeminalneuralgia) or bipolar disorder.
This drug works by restoring the balance of impulses and electrical activity in the nervous system. This way of working will be able to relieve spasms and pain. This medicine can only be used with a doctor's prescription.
Carbamazepine trademarks:Bamgetol 200, Carbamazepine, Tegretol, Tegretol CR
What is Carbamazepine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anticonvulsants |
| Benefit | Overcoming seizures in epilepsy, trigeminalneuralgia, or bipolar disorder |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Carbamazepine for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Carbamazepine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets |
Precautions Before Taking Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking carbamazepine:
- Do not use carbamazepine if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic drug reaction after taking anticonvulsants.
- Tell your doctor if you are or have recently been treated with MAOIs. Carbamazepine should not be used in these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had a bone marrow disorder or porphyria. Carbazempine should not be used by patients with a history of this disease.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had glaucoma, liver disease, electrolyte disturbances, kidney disease, thyroid disease, blood disorders, depression, or heart disease.
- Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, or engage in activities that require alertness while you are taking carbamazepine, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking medication, supplements, or herbal products.
- During treatment with carbamazepine, check with your doctor regularly, so that your condition and response to therapy can be monitored.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking carbamazepine.
Carbamazepine Dosage and Directions
The use of carbamazepine must be according to a doctor's prescription. The following is the dosage of carbamazepine according to the condition and age of the patient:
Condition: Epilepsy
Mature
- Initial dose: 100–200 mg, 1–2 times daily, the dose may be increased gradually by 200 mg daily, weekly
- Maintenance dose: 800–1200 mg per day, which can be divided into several consumption schedules
- Maximum dose: 2,000 mg per day.
Children 0–1 years
- Typical dosage: 100–200 mg per day
- Maximum dose: 35 mg/kg body weight per day
Children 1–5 years
- Typical dosage: 200–400 mg per day
- Maximum dose: 35 mg/kg body weight per day
Children 5–10 years
- Typical dosage: 400–600 mg per day
- Maximum dose: 1,000 mg per day
Children 10-15 years
- Typical dosage: 600–1,000 mg per day
- Maximum dose: 1,000 mg per day
Condition: Bipolar disorder
Mature
- Initial dose: 400 mg per day divided into several consumption schedules, the dose can be increased gradually according to the patient's condition
- Maintenance dose: 400–600 mg per day divided into several consumption schedules
- Maximum dose: 1,600 mg per day
Condition:Trigeminal neuralgia
Mature
- Initial dose: 100–200 mg 2 times a day, the dose can be increased gradually according to the patient's condition
- Maintenance dose: 400–800 mg per day divided into several consumption schedules
- Maximum dose: 1,200 mg per day
How to Use Carbamazepine Correctly
Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the information on the medicine package before taking carbamazepine.
Take carbamazepine after meals. Swallow the carbamazepine tablet or caplet whole with the help of water. Take this medicine regularly at the same time every day.
If you forget to take carbamazepine, take this medicine as soon as possible if the interval between the next consumption is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Do not reduce, increase, or stop medication without consulting your doctor first.
Store carbamazepine at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Carbamazepine Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of carbamazepine together with certain drugs can cause several interactions, including:
- Increases blood levels of carbamazepine when used with cimetidine, valproic acid, or valpromide
- Lowering blood levels of carbamazepine when used with cisplatin
- Increases the risk of side effects that damage the nervous system when used with lithium
- Reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives
- Increases cyclophosphamide levels in the blood
- Lowering blood levels of tacrolimus, temsirolimus, or lapatinib
- Increases risk of liver damage when used with isoniazid
- Increases risk of hyponatremia if used with diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide
- Reducing effects and blood levels of nefazodone
- Increases the risk of dangerous side effects when used with MAOI drugs
In addition to drugs, taking carbamazepine concurrently with grapefruit can increase the risk of side effects and increase blood levels of carbamazepine.
Carbamazepine Side Effects and Dangers
The following are some of the side effects that may occur after using carbamazepine:
- Dizzy
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty walking
- Drowsiness
- Nauseous
- Throw up
Consult a doctor if the above complaints do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or experience more serious side effects such as the following:
- Skin rash, which is characterized by the appearance of red spots, nodules, or blisters on the skin
- Arrhythmia, which is characterized by a faster, slower, or irregular heartbeat
- Impaired liver function, which is characterized by loss of appetite, pain in the upper right abdomen, or darker urine color
- Anemia or blood disorders, which are characterized by fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, paleness, easy bruising, or shortness of breath
- Electrolyte disturbances, which are characterized by headache, confusion, fatigue, or seizures