CarbamazepineOther Brand Names: Tegretol Revised:4/1/2000 
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OverviewSide Effects and InteractionsTaking the MedicineSpecial Precautions | Side Effects and Interactions |
Side effects associated with Tegretol include dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination, unsteadiness, mood changes, nausea, vomiting, stomachache and loss of appetite.
Other adverse reactions to be alert for include both diarrhea and constipation, rash, itching, urinary difficulties, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, swollen legs and feet, heart failure, blood pressure problems, fainting, sexual problems, dehydration, unexplained sore throat with fever and chills, mouth ulcers, and aching joints and muscles.
Blood tests are needed to detect kidney failure, liver enzyme elevations, and blood disorders. Report any symptoms to your physician immediately.
A large number of over-the-counter and prescription medications may interact with Tegretol in a dangerous way.
Some drugs, such as Biaxin, erythromycin, Darvon or Darvocet, can make Tegretol much more toxic, with dangerous blood levels building up surprisingly quickly.
Other anticonvulsants interact with Tegretol in complicated ways and may even reduce its effectiveness.
In addition, Tegretol can interfere with the benefits of many other compounds.
Just a few of the many drugs that interact with Tegretol include several different kinds of antidepressant, the blood thinner Coumadin, the ulcer drug Tagamet, the heart and blood pressure pills Cardizem, Calan and Verelan, and certain antibiotics such as tetracycline, Vibramycin and INH.
Other medications that may cause problems include the asthma drug theophylline, Haldol, Sandimmune, Danocrine and even flu vaccine and activated charcoal.
It's possible that flavonoids found in the herb Echinacea affect the enzyme (CYP 3A4) responsible for metabolizing many common drugs. If so, medications such as Tegretol could reach higher levels in the body.
The herb St. John's wort might speed elimination of Tegretol from the body, which could reduce its effectiveness.
Psyllium can affect the absorption of Tgretol; if you take it, it is best to do so at least an hour after taking Tegretol.
Do not take any other medications or herbs without first checking with your physician and pharmacist.
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