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- The proper way to use
- Precautions to keep in mind
- Common known side effects
The proper way to use
Carbamazepine suspension and tablets should be taken with meals to lessen the chance of stomach upset (nausea and vomiting). Carbamazepine extended-release capsules do not need to be taken with meals unless they upset your stomach. The contents of these extended-release capsules may be sprinkled over a teaspoonful of applesauce or other similar food; the capsule or its contents should not be crushed or chewed. The extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed. Do not take extended-release tablets that are damaged or have chips or cracks.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the effects of carbamazepine by increasing the amount of this medicine in the body. You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine.
It is very important that you take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor to obtain the best results and lessen the chance of serious side effects. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
If you are taking this medicine for pain relief:
- Carbamazepine is not an ordinary pain reliever. It should be used only when a doctor prescribes it for certain kinds of pain. Do not take carbamazepine for any other aches or pains.
If you are taking this medicine for epilepsy:
- Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. To keep your seizures under control, it is usually best to gradually reduce the amount of carbamazepine you are taking before stopping completely.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (suspension):
- For epilepsy:
- Adults and teenagers—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) taken up to four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg a day.
- Children 6 to 12 years of age—At first, 50 mg taken four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg a day.
- Children up to 6 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your doctor.
- For trigeminal neuralgia:
- Adults and teenagers—At first, 50 mg four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For epilepsy:
- For oral dosage form (tablets and chewable tablets):
- For epilepsy:
- Adults and teenagers—At first, 200 mg taken two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg a day.
- Children 6 to 12 years of age—At first, 100 mg taken two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg a day.
- Children up to 6 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your doctor.
- For trigeminal neuralgia:
- Adults and teenagers—At first, 100 mg taken two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For epilepsy:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- For bipolar disorder:
- Adults—At first, 200 mg taken two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1600 mg a day.
- Children and teenagers—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For epilepsy:
- Adults and teenagers—At first, 200 mg taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg a day.
- Children up to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your doctor. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg a day.
- For trigeminal neuralgia:
- Adults and teenagers—At first, 200 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For bipolar disorder:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- For epilepsy:
- Adults and teenagers—At first, 100 to 200 mg taken one or two times a day with meals. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg a day.
- Children 6 to 12 years of age—At first, 100 to 200 mg taken in smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg a day.
- Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For trigeminal neuralgia:
- Adults and teenagers—At first, 100 mg taken two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For epilepsy:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
