Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
NHS medicines information about carbamazepine – what it's used for, side effects, dosage and who can take it.
What carbamazepine is for
Carbamazepine is used as a treatment for:
- seizures caused by epilepsy
- a condition that causes pain on one side of the face (trigeminal neuralgia)
- bipolar disorder if other medicines have not worked
Carbamazepine works by changing the way nerves send messages to the brain, and acts on certain hormones that affect mood.
How to take carbamazepine
Carbamazepine usually comes as tablets, liquid or suppositories (medicine you insert into your bottom).
How much you need to take depends on what you're taking it for, your age and what type of medicine it is. Your doctor will tell you when to take it and how much.
You may start on a low dose, but your doctor may increase it gradually until you reach a dose that works for you.
You'll usually need to take carbamazepine long term.
If you have tablets, check the packet to see if they are chewable or not.
When taking carbamazepine:
- swallow tablets whole with some water – chewable tablets can be chewed, or swallowed whole with some water
- if you have liquid (oral liquid or oral suspension) – shake the bottle well and use the syringe or spoon that comes with your medicine to make sure you measure the right amount
- if you have suppositories (medicine you put in your bottom) – check the leaflet to find out how to insert them properly
Side effects of carbamazepine
Like all medicines, carbamazepine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Most side effects should ease after a couple of weeks as your body gets used to the medicine, but some can last longer.
Common side effects of carbamazepine include:
- dizziness
- tiredness
- dry mouth
- changes to your coordination, balance and speech
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
If you feel tired or dizzy or have problems with your body's coordination after taking carbamazepine, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of carbamazepine.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take carbamazepine
Carbamazepine can be taken by most adults and children aged 1 month old and over, but it's not suitable for everyone.
It may not be suitable if:
- you've ever had an allergic reaction to or serious side effect from carbamazepine or similar medicines
- you have liver or kidney problems
- you have increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), or other eye problems
- you have a mental health condition such as schizophrenia
- you're trying to get pregnant or are pregnant
Breastfeeding and carbamazepine
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
Carbamazepine can be used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk.
Your doctor will discuss it with you and may advise you to continue taking carbamazepine if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects your baby may get if you're taking carbamazepine and breastfeeding include:
- being more tired than usual
- yellowing skin and eyes, or a skin reaction
- darker pee or their poo is more pale than usual
If you're taking carbamazepine while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and carbamazepine
If you're taking carbamazepine and are planning a pregnancy or you get pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
If you need to take carbamazepine for epilepsy, you must use reliable contraception to avoid getting pregnant. Your doctor can advise you about contraception and review your treatment at least once a year.
If you are pregnant, you may be able to take carbamazepine if your doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks. They will discuss this with you. It's important to control your epilepsy during pregnancy.
If you need to take carbamazepine while you're pregnant, your doctor may advise you to take a higher dose of folic acid.
Taking carbamazepine with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with carbamazepine.
These include:
- some types of hormonal contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, patch or implant
- HRT (hormone replacement therapy) medicines
- aripiprazole and some other medicines for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia
- warfarin and some other medicines to help prevent blood clots
- ciprofloxacillin and some other antibiotics
Before you take carbamazepine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food and alcohol with carbamazepine
It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking carbamazepine because it may affect you more than usual.
Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking carbamazepine as it can increase your chance of side effects.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
