Tegretol
Tegretol is an antiepileptic medicine that prevents epileptic seizures and certain types of nerve pain, and also helps relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms and some agitation symptoms.
How to Use
Dosage
For adults, the usual starting dose is 100-200 mg once or twice a day, gradually increasing to a maintenance dose of 400-1600 mg per day. Doses for children and elderly are usually lower.
Method
Take Tegretol with or after a meal, swallowing tablets with liquid. Tablets can be halved at the score line. Oral suspension must be shaken before use.
The usual maximum daily dose for adults is 1600 mg, though some patients may need higher doses under medical supervision.
Possible Side Effects
- •Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, clumsiness
- •Nausea, vomiting
- •Skin rash, hives, skin inflammation (with itching, redness)
- •Headache, double or blurred vision, difficulty focusing, dry mouth
- •Swelling in legs/ankles, fluid retention, weight gain
- •Low white blood cell count, low platelet count, low sodium in blood (can cause confusion, headache, vomiting)
- •Changes in some liver blood tests (usually not serious)
- •Severe skin reactions (like widespread rash, blisters, skin peeling, fever, body aches)
- •Serious allergic reactions (face/tongue swelling, trouble breathing, fainting)
- •Signs of blood problems (fever, sore throat, easy bruising/bleeding, feeling very tired or pale)
- •Signs of liver damage (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain)
- •Signs of kidney damage (very little urine, blood in urine)
- •Worsening seizures, muscle twitching, confusion
- •Stiff neck, headache, fever, sensitivity to light (meningitis-like symptoms)
- •Irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, low or high blood pressure
- •Joint, muscle pain or cramps, bone weakening (osteoporosis, fractures)
- •Vision or hearing problems (e.g., tinnitus, blurred vision), depression, agitation
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to carbamazepine or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have severe heart disease, a serious blood disorder, or a disorder in porphyrin production (hepatic porphyria).
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby; women who can become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for two weeks after the last dose.
- Stop immediately and contact a doctor if you develop a rash or severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome; if you've had it before with Tegretol, never use it again.
- Do not stop taking Tegretol suddenly without talking to your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can increase seizures.
Show 1 more warnings
- Avoid alcohol and grapefruit products (juice/fruit) while on Tegretol, as they can increase side effects and affect the medicine's effectiveness.
Use in Elderly Patients
Avoid use in older adults. Hyponatraemia is a common adverse effect. Numerous potential adverse effects, such as hematological changes and risk of hepatic injury. May increase the need for a vitamin D supplement. Consider the numerous potential and significant interactions before starting and discontinuing the use. Avoid grapefruit. (updated 10.11.2025)