Tegretol (carbamazepine) is commonly prescribed for the treatment and prevention of grand mal and psychomotor seizures as well as trigeminal neuralgia. According to Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Tegretol, it is also prescribed for bipolar disorder, alcohol withdrawal, water diabetes, neurogenic pain and psychotic disorders. While effective as a treatment, Tegretol has a wide range of side effects and it is important that the patient or caregiver monitor usage closely.
Common Side Effects
Tegretol XR 400 can commonly cause the following side effects, which according to the Mayo Clinic do not need to be brought to the attention of your physician unless they become bothersome: mild dizziness or drowsiness, lightheadedness, mild vomiting or nausea, unsteadiness or clumsiness.
The following side effects are also common, but require the attention of your medical provider: continuous eye movements that are back-and-forth, blurred or double vision.
Less Common or Rare Side Effects
The following side effects occur less often and do not require medical attention: headache or back pain, heartburn, indigestion, belching, stomach pain or discomfort, and loss of appetite. Other side effects are constipation or diarrhea, dryness or soreness in the mouth, increased sweating, increased sensitivity to sunlight, lack of strength, loss of memory, loss of hair, aching joints, sleepiness and sexual problems for men.
Call your doctor right away if you experience any type of behavioral or mental changes, such as confusion, agitation, feelings of unreality or suicidal thoughts. Physical side effects that require immediate attention include severe diarrhea, drooling, continuous headache, an increase of seizures, muscle jerking, trembling or stiffness, muscle control problems, tiredness, severe nausea or vomiting, tics, black tarry or pale stools, blood in the urine or stools, dark urine or pain during urination, coughing or hoarseness, nosebleeds or other unusual bleeding, hives or skin rash, chills, fever or sore throat, painful or swollen glands, tightness in the chest or wheezing, trouble breathing, yellow eyes or skin.
Signs of Overdose
Overdose of Tegretol can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is important to know the signs of Tegretol overdose so they are not mistaken for a side effect. Too much Tegretol in the body can cause clumsiness or unsteadiness, body spasms in which the heels and head bend backwards while the body bends forward, convulsions (especially in children), severe drowsiness or dizziness, fainting, an irregular or fast heartbeat, slow, irregular or shallow breathing, large pupils, severe vomiting or nausea, reflexes that are overactive and then underactive, poor body movement control, abnormal body movements such as twitching or trembling and a sudden decrease in urine.
Manufacturer's Warning
Severe and sometimes fatal skin reactions have been reported in rare instances of Tegretol usage. The manufacturer recommends that Tegretol use be immediately discontinued at the first sign of a skin rash, unless there is an obvious unrelated cause for the rash.
Member Comments