Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) explained
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer used for seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder; induces hepatic enzymes and has notable interactions.
FDA ApprovedCarbamazepine (Tegretol) helps treat
• Focal seizures
• Generalized tonic‑clonic seizures
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Bipolar disorder (mania)
additional medications
• Oxcarbazepine
• Lamotrigine
• Valproate
• Lithium (for bipolar)
medication risks
• Serious rash (SJS/TEN) boxed warning
• Aplastic anemia/agranulocytosis
• Hyponatremia (SIADH)
• Hepatotoxicity
• Drug interactions
side effects
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Ataxia
• Blurred vision
FAQs
Q: What is carbamazepine used for?A: Seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar mania.
Q: Any genetic testing?
A: HLA‑B*1502 in certain Asian populations due to SJS/TEN risk.
Q: Drug interactions?
A: Strong CYP inducer; many interactions.
Q: Monitoring?
A: CBC, sodium (hyponatremia), liver function.
Q: Pregnancy?
A: Discuss risks; teratogenic potential exists.