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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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Tegretol Oral

Precautions and Side Effects


Generic Name: CARBAMAZEPINE - ORAL
Pronounced: (kar-bam-AZZ-eh-peen)

Tegretol Oral Warning

Table of Contents

Carbamazepine may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) skin reactions. Certain ethnic groups (including people of Asian/South Asian descent) are at greater risk. Your doctor may order a blood test (HLA-B 1502) to measure your risk before prescribing this medication. If the blood test shows you are at greater risk, discuss the risks and benefits of carbamazepine and other treatment choices with your doctor. Such skin reactions have developed mostly within the first few months of treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: skin rash/blisters/peeling, itching, or swelling. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This drug has rarely caused a severe decrease in bone marrow function (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis). Your doctor will monitor your blood counts to minimize the chance of this side effect. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unusual weakness or fatigue, or easy bleeding/bruising.

Tegretol Oral Side Effects

See also the Warning section.

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or unsteadiness may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • swelling of the ankles/feet
  • fatigue
  • fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
  • persistent or severe headache
  • fainting
  • trouble urinating
  • change in the amount of urine
  • decreased sexual ability
  • unusual eye movements (nystagmus)
  • vision changes
  • hearing problems
  • mental/mood changes
  • pain/redness/swelling of the arms or legs
  • numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
  • sun sensitivity
  • joint pain
  • hair loss
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