What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Carbamazepine comes as a tablet, a chewable tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, an extended-release capsule, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
You may open the extended-release capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
The carbamazepine chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
Carbamazepine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Carbamazepine can cause eye changes. Your doctor may recommend having your eyes examined regularly while you are taking this medicine.
Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to take carbamazepine regularly to prevent seizures from recurring. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Call your doctor promptly if this medicine does not seem to be working as well in preventing your seizures.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking carbamazepine, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking carbamazepine.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with carbamazepine and cause unwanted side effects. Do not change the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better. Do not stop using carbamazepine without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?