Tegretol – action, indications, side effects, drug interactions

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Tegretol CR is a drug with psychotropic, antiepileptic and neurotrophic effects. It is widely used in neurology. It is especially recommended in the treatment of conditions such as bipolar disorder, pain in the trigeminal nerve, epilepsy, manic syndromes, multiple sclerosis or after withdrawal from alcohol in addicts. The drug is available only upon presentation of a valid prescription. Depending on the facility, dose and form, the price of Tegretol varies from about PLN 14 to PLN 26.

Action, indications and dosage of the drug TegretolCR

Lek Tegretol CR it contains the active ingredient carbamazepine and is available in two different doses – 200mg and 400mg. It is also available in the form of a syrup. Carbamazepine stabilizes the membranes of nerve cells that are too excited. The preparation alleviates the effects of alcohol withdrawal in people who are addicted to it, reduces aggressiveness and irritability, displaces anxiety and depressive states. In addition, it prevents pain attacks of the trigeminal nerve.

The doctor decides on the dose of the drug individually. In epilepsy, it usually starts with 100-200 mg twice daily and increases gradually. In the treatment of bipolar disorder and manic syndromes, the optimal dose is 400–1600 mg, in alcohol withdrawal syndrome 200 mg three times a day, and 3–200 mg daily for trigeminal pain.

Contraindications, side effects and drug interactions

Before using the preparation Tegretol CR read its leaflet carefully. The drug should not be taken if the patient is allergic to any of its ingredients. It is not recommended for people with hepatic porphyria, atrioventricular blocks, and bone marrow impairment. In addition, MAO inhibitors should be discontinued two weeks before starting carbamazepine therapy.

The preparation, like any other drug, may cause side effects and most often they include, among others, dizziness and headache, somnolence, double vision, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, dermatitis, hives, weight gain, swelling and fluid retention. In addition, rarely there can be dangerous side effects such as arrhythmias, liver failure, thromboembolism and much more. In the event of side effects, consult a doctor immediately.

Leku Tegretol should not be taken, for example, with MAO inhibitors, drugs that increase the amount of carbamazepine in the blood, incl. ibuprofen, some antibiotics (including erythromycin, clamromycin), antidepressants (including trazadone, fluoxetine). Caution should also be exercised when combining it with diuretics, hormonal contraceptives, muscle relaxants containing lithium salts and many others.

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