Introduction About VERSITOL

VERSITOL contains Carbamazepine which belongs to the group of medicines called Anticonvulsants. It is used to manage certain forms of epilepsy (fits or seizures) and trigeminal neuralgia (painful condition of the face). It can also be used to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder if other medicines are not effective. Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a mental disorder characterized by alternative episodes of mania (sudden unusual extreme sense of happiness) and depression.

Carbamazepine controls seizure (fits) by reducing the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain. It also reduces pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals across the nervous system. It can stabilize your mood by reducing the activation of nerve cells at certain regions of the brain that causes abnormal mood changes. During and prior to the management, your doctor would recommend you several blood tests to understand your existing condition.

Before taking VERSITOL inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney diseases. VERSITOL is not recommended for use in patients who have or ever had porphyria (a blood disorder), any heart problems, or problems in bone marrow. Avoid consumption of alcohol or grapefruit juice while taking [GBNKEYWORD as it may lead to unwanted side effects.

VERSITOL should be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. It is not recommended for use in children aged below 5 years. The most common side effects of taking VERSITOL are nausea, vomiting, increased bleeding tendency, headache, weight gain, dizziness, and blurred vision. Consult your doctor if any of the side effect worsen. Also, inform your doctor immediately if your mood becomes excessively depressed along with thoughts of self-harming or killing.

Uses Of VERSITOL

• Manage certain forms of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• Manage trigeminal neuralgia (painful condition of the face)
• Controls bipolar disorder if other medicines are not effective

How VERSITOL Works

VERSITOL 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.

How to use VERSITOL

Take VERSITOL as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. It can be taken with or without meals. Your doctor will decide the suitable dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking VERSITOL without consulting your doctor as it may make your symptoms to reappear.

Side Effects Of VERSITOL

How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation

Eat plenty of fibre rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

Diarrhea

Hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juices. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not self-manage diarrhea on your own. Consult your doctor if your diarrhea becomes uncontrollable.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

Headache

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Nausea And Vomiting

Take VERSITOL with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

VERSITOL should not be used in pregnant women unless considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking. It is also not recommended for use in women who are planning to become pregnant. Women of childbearing potential should use a suitable non-hormonal contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with VERSITOL.

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

VERSITOL should be used with caution in breastfeeding women, as it may pass through breast milk and cause certain side effects in the breastfeeding infant. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision after taking VERSITOL.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision after taking VERSITOL.

Kidney

Use with Caution

VERSITOL should be used with caution in patients having kidney diseases associated with low sodium level in the blood. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver

Use with Caution

VERSITOL should be used with caution in patients having liver diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take VERSITOL if you are allergic to carbamazepine or similar medicines such as oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbital, or antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or imipramine).

Heart Disease

Contraindicated

VERSITOL is not recommended for use in patients having heart diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

VERSITOL is generally not recommended for use in children aged below 5 years. It should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged between 5-15 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

VERSITOL should be used with caution in elderly patients. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking.

Interactions

A. Drug - Drug interactions:

Before taking VERSITOL, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

• hormonal contraceptives Ex. estradiol, dydrogesterone
• hormone replacement therapy (used to manage hormonal imbalances) Ex. oestrogen, progestins
• medicines used to manage depression and anxiety (Ex. viloxazine, citalopram, escitalopram, midazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam)
• corticosteroids (medicines used to manage pain and inflammation) Ex. methylprednisolone, prednisolone, dexamethasone
• anti-coagulants (medicines used to control blood clotting) Ex. heparin, warfarin
• medicine used to manage skin infections (Ex. ciprofloxacin)
• antifungals (medicines used to manage fungal infections) Ex. fluconazole, itraconazole
• medicines used to manage pain (Ex. paracetamol, dextropropoxyphene, tramadol, methadone, buprenorphine)
• other medications used to manage epilepsy (Ex. phenobarbital, phenytoin)
• antihistamines (medicines used to manage allergic reactions) Ex. cetirizine, fexofenadine
• medicines used to manage high blood pressure (Ex. captopril, enalapril)
• diuretics (medicines used to increase urine output) Ex. hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide
• cimetidine and omeprazole (medicines used to manage stomach ulcers)
• isotretinoin (a medicine used to manage acne)
• metoclopramide or aprepitant (medicines used to manage nausea and vomiting)
• acetazolamide (a medicine used to manage glaucoma)
• danazol or gestrinone (medicines used to manage excessive tissue growth in the uterus)
• medicines used to manage asthma (Ex. theophylline or aminophylline)
• immunosuppressants (medicines used to suppress immune system and to manage graft rejection) Ex. ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus
• medicines used to manage schizophrenia (Ex. paliperidone, aripiprazole)
• medicines used to manage cancer (Ex. temsirolimus, cyclophosphamide, lapatinib)
• mefloquine (a medicine used to manage malaria)
• medicines used to manage HIV infections (Ex. indinavir, ritonavir)
• levothyroxine (a medicine used to manage thyroid deficiency)
• tadalafil (a medicine used to manage infertility in men)
• medicines used to manage worm infections (Ex. albendazole)
• bupropion (a medicine used to quit smoking)
• St John’s Wort (an herbal medicine used to manage depression)
• medicines or other supplements containing vitamin B (Ex. nicotinamide)

 B. Drug - Food interaction: 

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking VERSITOL as it may increase the risk of side effects.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more VERSITOL, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

More Information

• Store at room temperature
• Keep VERSITOL out of reach of children

FAQs About VERSITOL

Q: How to take VERSITOL?

A: VERSITOL can be taken during, between or after meals. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the suitable dose for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

Q: What does VERSITOL do to your brain?

A: VERSITOL 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.

Q: What are the common side effects of taking VERSITOL?

A: The most common side effects of taking VERSITOL are nausea, vomiting, increased bleeding tendency, headache, weight gain, dizziness, and blurred vision. In some people, it may also cause severe depression along with suicidal thoughts. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any such side effects.

Q: Is VERSITOL safe to use in children?

A: VERSITOL is not recommended for use in children aged below 5 years. It should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged between 5-15 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Q: How long should I take VERSITOL?

A: You are advised to take VERSITOL until your doctor suggests you discontinue the medicine. Do not stop taking VERSITOL without consulting your doctor as it may make your symptoms to reappear.

Q: Can VERSITOL taken along with alcohol?

A: No. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking VERSITOL as it might make you feel dizzier and may cause accidental injuries.

Q: Can pregnant women take VERSITOL?

A: VERSITOL should not be used in pregnant women unless considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking. It is also not recommended for use in women who are planning to become pregnant. Women of childbearing potential should use a suitable non-hormonal contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with VERSITOL.

Q: Will taking a higher dose of VERSITOL be more effective?

A: No. Do not take a higher dose of VERSITOL than the prescribed one without consulting your doctor. Taking a higher dose of VERSITOL may not be beneficial. Instead, it can cause serious side effects. If the prescribed dose is not effective for you, consult your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a suitable higher dose or suggest an alternative therapy after evaluating your disease condition.

Q: Can I take painkillers along with VERSITOL?

A: No. Avoid concomitant use of any pain killers like paracetamol, tramadol, dextropropoxyphene, methadone, and buprenorphine while taking VERSITOL as it may lead to unwanted reactions. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Q: What should I do if I forget to take a dose of VERSITOL?

A: If your forgot to take a dose of VERSITOL, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time to take the next dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate the missed dose.

References

1. James O. McNamara. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 594-596.

2. Jasdave S. Maan; Truc vi H. Duong, Abdolreza Saadabadi Carbamazepine. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. [Revised on 2nd May 2022] [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482455/

3. Philip J Wiffen, Sheena Derry, R Andrew Moore, and Henry J McQuay. Carbamazepine for acute and chronic pain in adults. NIH National Library of Medicine, National centre for biotechnology information. PubMed Central. September 2014. [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4160789/

4. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in November 2020] [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1040.pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Glycosylated Haemoglobin