Tegral

Description

Carbamazepine is used for epilepsy and mood stabilization. It calms overactive nerve signals in the brain, helping prevent seizures and, in some cases, leveling mood swings in bipolar disorder.

Key Uses

• Controls different types of epileptic seizures

• Sometimes continued around brain surgery to prevent convulsions

• Used for bipolar disorder when lithium isn’t effective enough

How to Take

Tablets are usually started low (about 100–200 mg once or twice daily) and increased gradually. Take with or without food; staying hydrated helps. If you miss a dose, take it later the same day—don’t double up.

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache, tiredness, mild skin rash.
Seek help urgently for severe rash, breathing trouble, or unusual bleeding/bruising.

Doctor Review

Dr. Salman Qureshi (Neurologist): Carbamazepine is a steady, long-term option for seizure control and can help in bipolar disorder for selected patients. The main watch-outs are early side effects (drowsiness, dizziness) and rare skin reactions. Routine labs matter—clinicians often monitor blood counts, liver function, and sodium during dose adjustments. It’s an enzyme inducer, so interactions with other medicines are common. Consistency is key; sudden stops can trigger seizures.

Important Cautions

Avoid if you’ve had a serious reaction to carbamazepine or related drugs. Use only with close supervision in liver, kidney, heart disease, or low blood counts. Alcohol increases drowsiness and is generally avoided.

Disclaimer
This content is for educational reference only — it is not a medical prescription. Always consult a licensed doctor in Pakistan before starting, stopping, or switching any medication.