Manufacturer: Novartis
Pharmaceutical name: Carbamazepine CR
Pack: 10 pills (400 mg)
Tegrital CR belongs to a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. It functions by reducing nerve impulses that lead to seizures and discomfort. Tegrital CR is prescribed for specific types of seizures related to epilepsy, for managing the nerve pain caused by true trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy, and for treating bipolar disorder.
You should avoid taking Tegrital CR if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, or if you are allergic to certain antidepressants, including amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, or nortriptyline.
Avoid using Tegrital CR if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, or selegiline in the last 14 days.
Take Tegrital CR exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for an extended period beyond what your doctor has directed. Your physician may modify your dosage periodically to ensure optimal results from Tegrital CR.
Tegrital CR can reduce the number of blood cells that aid your body in fighting infections, which may increase the risk of bleeding from injuries or becoming ill from contact with sick individuals. Regular blood tests will be necessary to monitor your blood cell levels, so be sure not to miss scheduled follow-up appointments.
Your doctor might suggest having regular eye examinations while you are on Tegrital CR.
It may take as long as 4 weeks for symptoms to improve while using Tegrital CR. Do not discontinue the medication even if you start to feel better, as stopping abruptly may lead to more seizures or adverse side effects.
Potential side effects include: fever, sore throat, and headache accompanied by a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual fatigue; white patches or sores in your mouth or on your lips; difficulty breathing, swelling in the ankles or feet; nausea, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or urinating less frequently than usual.