Epitol, also known as carbamazepine, is a drug used to treat certain types of epilepsy, and for a condition called trigeminal neuralgia, which causes excruciating pain in the jaw. According to experts at Drugs.com, some doctors also use it to treat the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and cocaine, along with emotional disorders such as depression. The drug is sold under the brand names Epitol, Tegretol-XR, Tegretol and Carbatrol. Before choosing it to treat your condition, you need to learn what side effects accompany it.
Common Side Effects
Once you take Epitol, you might begin to feel dizzy and drowsy or find you are becoming unsteady as you walk. Nausea and vomiting might also be a problem in the beginning, but often passes the longer you remain on the medication.
Serious Side Effects
Although occurring less frequently, these side effects are more harmful and should be reported to your doctor immediately. They include your seizures becoming worse, the onset of anemia and depression, along with increased infections or infections that do not heal easily. High or low blood pressure are two more possible side effects, as are jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes) and arrhythmia's (irregular heart rate). You might find yourself hallucinating or having thoughts of suicide. In addition, bruising and bleeding easily are also signs you need to watch for and report immediately.
Signs of Low Blood Sodium Levels
Low blood sodium levels leads to a condition called hyponatremia which is considered a serious side effect. Signs of this condition include loss of appetite, becoming irritable, confusion, muscle weakness, nausea or vomiting, being excessively tired, hallucinating and suffering from muscle cramps or spasms.
Rare Side Effects
Some of the more rare side effects of Epitol include hair loss, sun sensitivity, body or facial hair growth, inability to achieve or maintain an erection, headaches, an underactive thyroid, diarrhea, constipation, leg cramps, sweating, changes in your skin color, blurred vision and double vision.
Signs of an Overdose
According to the medical professionals at Drugs,com, an overdose of Epitol, can have serious health repercussions. The signs will generally appear within one to three hours of the overdose occurring and include a loss of consciousness, drowsiness, dizziness, rapid eye movements that are involuntary, low urine production, blood pressure that is too high or low, nausea, restlessness, tremors, vomiting, dilation of your pupils and rapid heartbeat. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these side effects.
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