Tegretol 400 mg

Tegretol is in a group of drugs called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain. Tegretol is used to treat certain types of seizures associated with epilepsy, the treatment of the nerve pain associated with true trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder.

You should not take this medicine if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, or if you are allergic to an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor). Do not take Tegretol if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) in the past 14 days.

Dosage
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Tegretol.

Tegretol can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Your doctor may recommend having your eyes checked regularly while you are taking this medicine.

It may take up to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures or unpleasant side effects if you stop using Tegretol suddenly.

Side effects:
•    fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
•    pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
•    white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
•    feeling short of breath, swelling of your ankles or feet;
•    nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
•    urinating less than usual.