Tegretol is a prescription anticonvulsant medication used to treat certain types of seizures associated with epilepsy, nerve pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy and bipolar disorder, according to Drugs.com. This medication decreases nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain. A patient should fully discuss his medical history and other medications he is taking with his doctor to avoid complications. However, as with all medications, side effects may occur.
Bone Marrow Suppression
Tegretol may cause bone marrow suppression, or decrease the number of blood cells that the body produces. This includes red blood cells that carry oxygen and nutrients to the body and white blood cells that fight infection. Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, states that the number of blood cells may decrease enough to cause serious or life-threatening health problems. A patient is at a higher risk of this occurring if she has ever had a decreased number of blood cells. Furthermore, Medline Plus states that a patient should see a doctor if she experiences sore throat, fever, chills, unusual bleeding, bruising, tiny purple dots on the skin, mouth sores or rash. A patient should not immediately stop taking Tegretol without medical consultation because it may increase the risk for seizures.
Upset Stomach
Drugs.com states that Tegretol may cause an upset stomach over the long-term in certain patients. This occurs because Tegretol slows the neural impulses in the digestive tract, which can slow down the digestion process. This may cause a patient to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or stomach pain. In this case, a patient should continue taking Tegretol, but he should let his doctor know of the stomach problems he is experiencing. He should avoid self-treating with over-the-counter medications.
Drowsiness
Tegretol may cause drowsiness over the long-term, states Drugs.com. This occurs because Tegretol slows neural impulses in the area of the brain related to being awake and alert. Therefore, a patient taking this medication should not drive or operate heavy machinery until he knows how his body responds to the effects of Tegretol. Furthermore, he should not suddenly stop taking Tegretol, but should let his doctor know that he is experiencing excessive drowsiness during the day. The doctor may adjust the dosage of Tegretol, prescribe a different medication or prescribe an additional medication to help treat drowsiness.
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