Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Tegretol is a medicine used to treat tonic-clonic (grand mal), complex partial (psychomotor or temporal lobe) seizures, and certain types of nerve pain (trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia). It is available in chewable tablets, tablets, extended-release tablets (Tegretol-XR), and a suspension.

Tegretol can cause rare but serious skin rashes that may be life-threatening. These serious skin reactions are more likely to happen within the first 4 months of treatment, but can occur at later times. These reactions are more likely to be seen in people of Asian descent. If you are of Asian descent, you may need a genetic blood test before you take Tegretol to see if you are at a higher risk for serious skin reactions with this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop skin rash, hives, or sores in your mouth. Tegretol can cause rare but serious blood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you experience a fever, sore throat, other infections that come and go or do not go away, easy bruising, red or purple spots on your body, bleeding gums or nose, or severe fatigue or weakness. Do not stop taking Tegretol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Tegretol suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus). Tegretol can cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Tell your doctor right away if you have thoughts about suicide or dying; attempt to commit suicide; have new or worsening depression, anxiety, or irritability; have panic attacks; have trouble sleeping (insomnia); have an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania); are feeling agitated or restless; acting aggressive; being angry or violent; acting on dangerous impulses; or have other unusual changes in your behavior or mood. Tegretol is not a regular pain medicine and should not be used for aches or pains.