Generic Name: CARBAMAZEPINE CHEWABLE TABLET - ORAL
Pronounced: (KAR-ba-MAZ-e-peen)

Tegretol Oral Precautions

Before taking carbamazepine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin) or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• decreased bone marrow function (bone marrow depression)
• a certain blood disorder (acute intermittent porphyria)

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• high blood pressure
• blood clots
• blood vessel disease
• heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm or conduction disorders)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• glaucoma
• mental/mood disorders
• certain types of seizures (atypical absence seizures)
• history of decreased bone marrow function due to other drugs

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. However, since untreated seizures are a serious condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, prenatal care that includes tests for defects is recommended. Since birth control pills, patches, implants, and injections may not work if taken with this medication (see also Drug Interactions section), discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.

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