MedDataToolCarbamazepine is a medication used to treat epilepsy, including certain types of seizures, and to relieve pain from trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that causes severe facial pain. It works by calming the brain's activity to help prevent seizures and reduce pain. You typically start with 200 mg taken twice a day, and the dose can be increased weekly, but it should not exceed 1,200 mg daily for adults. It's important to know that carbamazepine can cause serious skin reactions, so you should stop taking it if you develop a rash. Additionally, you should avoid using this medication if you have a history of bone marrow depression or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as this combination is not recommended.
✦
Uses
- Epilepsy.
- Partial seizures with complex symptoms.
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
- Trigeminal neuralgia.
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
◷
Dosage
Adults over 12 years: Start with 200 mg twice daily.
Children 6 to 12 years: Start with 100 mg twice daily.
Children under 6 years: 10 to 20 mg/kg/day, divided into doses.
Take with meals to reduce side effects.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
⚠
Side effects
Common
DizzinessdrowsinessnauseavomitingunsteadinessAplastic anemia
Serious
Stevens-Johnson syndromeliver failuresuicidal thoughts
🛑
Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Risk of serious skin reactions like SJS and TEN.
- Patients of Asian descent should be screened for HLA-B*1502.
- Monitor for low blood cell counts.
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation to prevent seizures.
- May cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy.
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).