Uses of Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is used to treat epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and controls the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Therapeutic Category

Carbamazepine: Anticonvulsants

How Carbamazepine works

Carbamazepine controls seizures by stopping the abnormal build-up of electrical signals within the brain. It acts as a specific analgesic for trigeminal neuralgia, by blocking various pain reflexes caused by stimulation of nerves in the face. It also acts as a mood stabilizer by reducing the activation of nerve cells at certain regions of the brain that causes abnormal mood changes.

Common side effects of Carbamazepine

• dizziness, tiredness, losing balance, nausea, or vomiting
• abnormal bleeding and bruising
• skin reactions
• confusion, headache
• double or blurred vision
• dry mouth
• fluid retention and swelling
• weight gain

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• in case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (skin rash with widespread blistering and peeling of the skin, ulcerations in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes, fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, and body ache) or lupus erythematosus (rash across the bridge of nose and cheeks with painful joints and muscles)
• if you experience suicidal thoughts (thoughts of harming or killing themselves)
• if you experience fall due to dizziness, drowsiness, decreased blood pressure and confusion
• if you experience signs of severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of face especially lips, throat, mouth, and eyes causing difficulty in breathing)
• if you experience stomach pain

Health Tips for Carbamazepine

• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Carbamazepine as it may lead to adverse effects
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, get enough sleep for supporting overall well-being and to optimize the effectiveness of Carbamazepine
• Stay hydrated as Carbamazepine may cause decrease in sodium levels in the blood and contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as weakness, confusion, or seizures