WHAT IS Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

CARBAMAZEPINE/Carbatrol is used to control seizures caused by certain types of epilepsy. This medicine is also used to treat nerve related pain. It is not for common aches and pains. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Keep out of reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take this medicine with or without food. The capsules can be opened and the beads sprinkled over food such as applesauce or other similar food product. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medicine without discussing the change with your doctor or health care professional. If you are taking this medicine for epilepsy (seizures) do not stop taking it suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• delavirdine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl , Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• nefazodone
• oxcarbazepine/Trileptal

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• medicines for angina or high blood pressure
• niacinamide
• medicines for sleep
• acetaminophen
• methadone
• seizure or epilepsy medicine
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital
• dicumarol
• propoxyphene
• isoniazid, INH
• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin/Biaxin, erythromycin/E-mycin or troleandomycin
• female hormones, including estrogens and birth control pills
• medicines to treat fungal infections, like fluconazole/Diflucan, itraconazole/Sporanox or ketoconazole/Nizoral
• loratadine/Claritin
• warfarin/Coumadin
• levothyroxine/Levoxyl and other thyroid hormones
• grapefruit juice
• steroid medicines such as prednisone/Deltasone or cortisone
• danazol/Danocrine
• doxycycline/Monodox
• rifampin or rifabutin
• tramadol/Ultram
• lithium/Lithotabs and other medicines to treat mood problems or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for cancer
• praziquantel
• medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS
• acetazolamide/Diamox
• theophylline/T-phyl cr
• cimetidine
• medicines for depression or anxiety
• cyclosporine/Neoral

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• ringing in the ears
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• changes in vision
• mouth ulcers
• breathing problems
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
• fever or chills, sore throat
• unusually weak or tired
• confusion
• swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains
• dark urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• increased sweating
• nausea
• diarrhea or constipation
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• kidney disease
• porphyria
• psychotic disorders
• heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• bone marrow disease
• liver disease
• breast-feeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to carbamazepine/Carbatrol , tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, phenobarbital or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Asian ancestry
• glaucoma

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.