Carbamazepine Mechanism Of Action, Brand Name, Side Effects, Uses & Interactions

Carbamazepine is a prescription medication that can be used to mitigate symptoms of seizures and epilepsy. In the following short article, we discuss the side effects, dosage, warnings, and interactions of carbamazepine. Read on to learn more about this medication that is available as the brand name drugs Tegretol and Curatil.

Carbamazepine Mechanism Of Action

Carbamazepine works in two different ways:

1. By enhancing sodium channel inactivation by reducing high-frequency repetitive firing of action potential.

2. Action on the synaptic transmission.

Carbamazepine Side Effects

There are a number of side effects associated with carbamazepine, some of which are more serious and less common than others.

Common Side Effects Of Carbamazepine

Common side effects of carbamazepine include the following:

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Drowsiness

- Constipation

- Dry mouth

- Unsteadiness

- Lightheadedness

- Drooling

- Fear

If these side effects are mild, they may disappear in a few days. If your side effects are more serious, talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional.

Serious Side Effects

Other side effects of carbamazepine are more serious and may require medical attention. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

- Irritabilty

- Loss of balance

- Blood in urine or stools

- Black, tarry stools

- Chest pain

- Hoarseness

- Muscle or stomach cramps

- Nosebleeds or other unusual bleeding

- Swollen or painful glands

- Rigidity

- Rapid weight gain

Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

What Is Carbamazepine?

Carbamazepine is a prescription medication used to prevent and control seizures. It is known as an anticonvulsant prescription medication that is used to reduce the spread of seizure activity in the brain and associated nerve pathways.

Carbamazepine Pronunciation

To pronounce carbamazepine, sound of these syllables:

Kaar - buh - ma - zuh - peen

Oxcarbazepine Vs. Carbamazepine

Oxcarbazepine is often tolerated better by patients that carbamazepine, although carbamazepine may produce better results in some cases.

Brand Names Of Carbamazepine

Carabamazepine is available as a prescription medication under the following brand names:

- Tegretol

- Curatil

Uses Of Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine can be used to treat certain types of seizures and epilepsy. It is also used to relieve pain due to trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux) and in the treatment of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness).

Carbamazepine Interactions

Do not take cerbamazepine in conjunction with the following medications. Doing so may result in serious, unwanted side effects.

- Antifungal drugs such as voriconazole

- MAO Inhibitors such as linezolid

- Metaxalone

- Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin

Carbamazepine Dosage

Take carbamazepine as directed by your doctor or other healthcare professional. Your dosage for carbamazepine may vary depending on the following factors:

- Your age

- Your weight

- Severity of condition

- Other medical conditions

Dosage For Bipolar Disorder

Adult: 200mg per day. Dosage may be adjusted as needed but should not exceed 1600mg per day.

Carbamazepine Dosage For Epilepsy

Adult: 200mg twice per day. Dosage may be adjusted as needed but should not exceed 800mg per day.

Dosage For Trigeminal Neuralgia

Adult: 200mg once a day. Dosage may be adjusted as needed but should not exceed 1000mg per day.

Warnings Of Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine may cause life-threatening allergic reactions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These allergic reactions may cause severe damage to the skin and internal organs.