Tegretol, whose generic name is carbamazepine, belongs to a class of medications called anti-convulsants. Tegretol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures associated with epilepsy. Tegretol is also used to treat bipolar disorder and trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that causes facial nerve pain. Tegretol decreases abnormal brain activity that cause seizures. Tegretol affects the absorption of folic acid.
Tegretol and Folic Acid Absorption
Tegretol interferes with the absorption of folic acid and may cause folic acid deficiency, according to the information website Epilepsy.com. Folic acid, also known as folate, is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps the body manufacture new healthy cells. Adequate folic acid intake during early pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects in babies. Most women of childbearing age are advised to consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day. For women on Tegretol therapy, the doctor may recommend up to 4 milligrams of folic acid per day.
Folic Acid Administration
Folic acid supplements are available as tablets or injections. Folic acid supplements are usually available in multivitamins, B-complex supplements or as individual products. Consult your doctor before using folic acid supplements. Avoid taking large doses of folic acid supplements without permission from your doctor. Take folic acid supplements one or two hours before taking Tegretol supplements. Your doctor may recommend folic acid injections if you are having problems swallowing tablets.
Folic Acid Side Effects
Most people do not experience adverse effects when they take the recommended daily dose of folic acid supplements. However, high doses of folic acid can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, gas, nausea, vomiting, confusion, insomnia, irritability, personality changes, skin rash and seizures. Taking high doses of folic acid may also increase the risk of heart disease and cancer, according to MedlinePlus.
Natural Sources of Folic Acid
Daily consumption of foods rich in folic acid can help you meet the daily dietary requirements of the vitamin. You can obtain folic acid from foods such as enriched breads, breakfast cereals, meat, fish, chicken, dried beans, peas, nuts, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, mustard greens, turnip leaves and collard greens.
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