Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Carbamazepine is an anti-seizuremedication. Recurrent seizures (epilepsy) are divided into two maincategories according to how much of the brain is involved, partial andgeneralized epilepsy (which includes petit mal, grand mal, and myoclonicepilepsy). Seizures are called "simple" if there is no loss ofconsciousness and "complex" if there is. Medicines that inhibitseizures are called anti-convulsants. Carbamazepine works as ananti-convulsant for partial and grand mal seizures by reducing or blockingcertain responses in the brain.

PREPARATIONS: Chewable tablets; 100mg, 200mg. Suspension;100mg/5ml.

STORAGE: Carbamazepine should be stored in a tight, lightresistant container at room temperature.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Carbamazepine is used in the treatment of simpleand complex partial seizures and in generalized seizures of the grand maltype. It is not used to treat petit mal seizures. Carbamazepine also isused to treat a painful nerve condition of the face called trigeminalneuralgia.

DOSING: Carbamazepine may be taken with or without food.Carbamazepine is excreted by the kidney and metabolized by the liver anddosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver or kidneydysfunction. Drug blood levels of carbamazepine can be followed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Carbamazepine interacts with multiple drugsand caution should be used in combining other medicines with it. Lowerlevels of carbamazepine are seen when administrated with phenobarbital,phenytoin, or primidone. Warfarin, phenytoin, theophylline, and valproicacid are more rapidly metabolized with carbamazepine, while carbamazepinelevels are elevated when taken with erythromycin, cimetidine,propoxyphene, and calcium channel blockers. Carbamazepine also increases the metabolism (destruction) of the hormones in birth control pills and can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Unexpected pregnancies have occurred in patients taking both carbamazepine and birth control pills.

PREGNANCY: If possible, carbamazepine should not be used in pregnancy or while breast feeding.

NURSING MOTHERS: If possible, carbamazepine should not be usedin pregnancy or while breast feeding.

SIDE EFFECTS: Serious side effects include dangerously low redand white blood cell counts. Severe skin reactions can occur as well asserious liver abnormalities, such as hepatitis, resulting in jaundice. Lowsodium levels and thyroid abnormalities have been described. Minor morecommon side effects include dizziness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting.