Tegretol
Tegretol is an epilepsy medicine that helps prevent seizures and some types of nerve pain, and also helps with alcohol withdrawal symptoms and certain agitated states.
How to Use
Dosage
Adults usually start with 100-200 mg, taken once or twice a day.
Method
Take Tegretol with or after a meal, with liquid. Tablets can be halved if needed.
The typical daily dose for adults is 400-1600 mg, but your doctor may prescribe a different amount. Do not exceed your doctor's prescribed dose.
Possible Side Effects
- •Low white blood cell count
- •Feeling dizzy, clumsy, sleepy, or tired
- •Feeling sick (nausea) or throwing up (vomiting)
- •Skin rash, itching, redness, or hives
- •Headache
- •Double or blurred vision
- •Dry mouth
- •Swelling in ankles, feet or legs, fluid retention, weight gain, or low sodium levels in blood
- •Unusual, uncontrolled movements (like shaking) or eye twitching
- •Diarrhea or constipation
- •Hair loss
- •Weakening of bones (osteoporosis) or fractures
- •High ammonia levels in blood, which may cause irritability, confusion, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sleepiness
- •Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue, and difficulty swallowing or breathing
- •Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice) or dark urine, which can be signs of liver problems
Important Warnings
- Do not take Tegretol if you are allergic to carbamazepine or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not take Tegretol if you have a severe heart problem, a serious blood disorder, or a rare blood pigment disorder called porphyria.
- Do not use Tegretol if you are taking certain antidepressants called MAO inhibitors. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.
- Tegretol can harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for two weeks after stopping.
- Stop taking Tegretol and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a severe skin rash with blisters, flu-like symptoms, or swelling. Never take Tegretol again if you've had severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Show 2 more warnings
- A small number of people taking Tegretol have had thoughts of harming themselves or committing suicide. If you have such thoughts, talk to your doctor right away.
- Do not stop taking Tegretol suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can increase your seizures.
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)