Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant or anti-epileptic drug used to prevent and control seizures. It can also be prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and certain nerve pains such as trigeminal neuralgia.
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Carbamazepine is a pharmaceutical medication primarily used as an anticonvulsant (which prevents seizures) and mood stabilizer. Meds for Less offers three strengths of Carbamazepine:
i) Carbamazepine 100mg
ii) Carbamazepine 200mg
iii) Carbamazepine 400mg
It is commonly prescribed to treat epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder. Carbamazepine works by regulating electrical activity in the brain, reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
It is important to note that carbamazepine may have side effects and interactions with other medications, so it should be taken under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Furthermore, you can also use a carbamazepine drug interaction checker as an additional resource.
i) Carbamazepine & Seizures: It works by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain, specifically by blocking sodium channels. By doing so, carbamazepine prevents excessive electrical signals from spreading rapidly in the brain, thus reducing the occurrence of seizures.
ii) Carbamazepine as a mood stabilizer: Carbamazepine is also utilized as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Its precise mechanism of action in this context is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the modulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
iii) Carbamazepine & Nerve Pain: In the case of nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia, carbamazepine stabilizes the electrical signals within the nerves, effectively interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This mechanism of action disrupts the pathway in which pain signals are relayed, resulting in pain relief.
It is crucial to strictly adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding the usage of Carbamazepine treatment. Before initiating Carbamazepine treatment, carefully read the Patient Information Leaflet in the product package. If you have any queries or concerns, consult your doctor or find your nearest pharmacy.
Carbamazepine should be taken orally with food, as directed by your doctor.
The dosage of this medication depends on your medical condition and your response to treatment. To minimize the potential for side effects, your doctor may recommend initiating Carbamazepine at a low dose and gradually increasing it over time.
Carbamazepine dosage:
i) For Epilepsy:
– Adults & children aged 12 and older: The typical starting dose of Carbamazepine is 200mg taken twice daily. Your doctor might adjust the dosage but it shouldn’t exceed 500-800mg taken twice daily.
– Children under 12 years old: Appropriate dosage depends on their body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The maximum daily dose shouldn’t exceed 1000mg.
ii) For Bipolar Disorder:
– Adults: The usual dose is 200 mg twice daily. Your doctor may increase the dose as needed. The maximum dose is 1600 mg per day.
– Children: Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
iii) For Trigeminal Neuralgia: The usual dose is 200 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase the dose as needed and tolerated. The maximum dose should not exceed 1200 per day.
In order to get the most benefit from this medicine, you should take it regularly. It will help you to remember to take your dose by taking it at the same time each day.
Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen when you suddenly stop using this drug. Your doctor may have to ask you to gradually decrease your dose.
Your doctor has prescribed this medication based on a careful assessment of the benefits it can provide, which are considered to outweigh the potential risks of side effects. It is worth noting that a significant number of individuals who have used this medication did not experience any severe side effects.
Common side effects of carbamazepine:
i) Vomiting
ii) Nausea
iii) Drowsiness
iv) Dizziness
v) Dry mouth
vi) Constipation
vii) Unsteadiness
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as:
i) Headaches that won’t go away
ii) Signs of liver problems
iii) Signs of kidney problems
iv) Fainting
v) Mouth sores
vi) Unusual eye movement
vii) Irregular heartbeat
viii) Vision changes
ix) Signs of low levels of sodium in the blood
x) Swelling of the ankles or feet
xi) Joint pain
Immediately report to your doctor if you notice any other side effects that are associated with your use of Carbamazepine.
Additionally, reading ‘Carbamazepine: 7 things you should know’ could help in familiarizing yourself more with carbamazepine before initiating treatment.
i) A small number of people who use anticonvulsants for any condition may experience suicidal thoughts, depression, or other mood or mental problems. Inform your doctor immediately if you or your family notice any unusual changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior, including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and thoughts about harming yourself.
ii) A very serious allergic reaction to Carbamazepine is rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as itching or swelling, rash, trouble breathing, and severe dizziness.
Before you start taking Carbamazepine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to it, or to other anti-seizure medications, or if you have other allergies. Carbamazepine may contain inactive ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or other problems.
iii) Share with your doctor your medical history before you start using this medication, especially decreased bone marrow function, blood disorders, heart disease, glaucoma, liver disease, kidney disease, mineral imbalance, or mental or mood disorders.
iv) Carbamazepine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Alcohol consumption or marijuana use may make you more drowsy or dizzy. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. Discuss with your doctor your use of marijuana.
v) Carbamazepine may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid staying too much under the sun. use sunscreen and protective clothes each time you go outdoors.
vi) Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially unsteadiness, confusion, or irregular heartbeat.
vii) This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless it is clearly needed. Untreated seizures are a serious condition that can harm a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Continue taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Discuss with your doctor the risks of taking this medication if you are planning on getting pregnant.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult first your doctor before you start to breastfeed.
viii) Drug interactions may alter how your medications work or increase the risk of side effects. Share with your doctor a list of all medications you are currently taking so he can check for any unsafe combinations. Or use the carbamazepine drug interaction checker as an additional resource.
ix) Taking MAO inhibitors with Carbamazepine may cause a serious, possibly fatal, drug interaction.
You can safely buy Carbamazepine online at Meds For Less. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist-independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Carbamazepine is the right medication for your medical condition.
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