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Carbamazepine / TegretolProper use of this medication: * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a high feeling. * Take this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. * Do not drink alcohol while on this medication. * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your psychiatrist. Serious symptoms may result from sudden discontinuation. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with your psychiatrist. * The full effect of this medication may not be noticed for 2 weeks. * Store this medicine in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. Blood tests: * Your psychiatrist may draw blood levels of Carbamazepine, to make sure you are on the right dose. It takes 1 week for a change of dose to change your blood level. Blood levels should be drawn just before you are due for your next dose. * It may take 3-5 weeks for your blood level to stabilize. * Blood counts may also be done periodically as Carbamazepine can lower your blood count. This occurs in 10% of patients on Carbamazepine and is rarely serious. * Liver Function blood tests may be periodically drawn, as Carbamazepine can rarely damage the liver. This medication is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include: * Drowsiness: This is usually only a problem the first few weeks you are on Carbamazepine. If this is a problem, be very cautious while driving or working with dangerous machinery. * Dizziness: This is usually temporary and will go away with continued use. You may avoid this by rising or changing positions slowly. * Nausea and vomiting: This can usually be prevented by taking Carbamazepine with food or milk. * Blurred vision, dry mouth, difficulty passing urine: These are usually temporary and go away after several weeks. * Allergic reactions: 4% of patients develop a rash. If this occurs, stop the medication and call your physician. * Contact your physician immediately if you develop a sore throat, ulcers of the mouth, easy bruising, or a fever to have your blood count checked. The following medications should not be taken with Carbamazepine without first consulting with your psychiatrist: * Phenobarbitol * Phenytoin/Dilantin * Anti-psychotic medications (e.g. Haloperidol/Haldol may lose effectiveness0, Methadone, Prednisone, Theophylline, Coumadin, Valproate, Anti-depressants, Benzodiazepines, and Oral contraceptives (birth control pill) may not be as effective while taking Carbamazepine. * Calcium channel blockers (Verapamil, Diltiazem), Danazol, Propoxyphene, Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Isoniazid, and anti-epileptics (seizure medicines), may increase your blood level of Carbamazepine. * Delavirdine/Rescriptor * Carbamazepine may interfere with the effectiveness of estrogen, especially oral contraceptives. |
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