Carbamazepine

What is carbamazepine?

Carbamazepine is used to control and prevent certain types of seizures. It may also be used for other conditions. You may hear carbamazepine called by its brand name, Tegretol. Carbamazepine comes in many forms such as liquid, chew tablets, regular tablets, and long acting tablets.

How should I give my child carbamazepine?

Follow these instructions when you give your child carbamazepine:

• Give your child carbamazepine regularly, exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. Avoid missing doses by giving the medicine at the same times each day. Talk to your child's doctor before you stop giving this medicine for any reason. Make sure you have enough medicine on hand for weekends, holidays, or vacations.
• Give your child carbamazepine with food, to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.
• Give your child carbamazepine with the special spoon or syringe the pharmacist gave you, if your child is taking the liquid form of carbamazepine. Be sure to shake the bottle well before each dose.
• Carbamazepine should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed, if your child is taking the long-acting tablets. The long-acting tablets may be cut in half.

What should I do if my child misses a dose of carbamazepine?

If your child misses a dose of the medicine:

• Give the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for their next dose, do not give the missed dose.
• Give the next dose at the regular time.
• Give only one dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of carbamazepine?

Your child may be more likely to have these side effects at the beginning of therapy. After a while, these side effects may decrease or go away. Call your doctor if your child continues to have any of these signs or symptoms:

• dizziness, lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• upset stomach, throwing up
• clumsiness
• increase or decrease in urination
• dry mouth
• watery bowel movements (diarrhea)
• loss of appetite
• trouble having a bowel movement (constipation)

Call your doctor immediately if your child has:

• black, tarry stools
• dark urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• blurred vision
• skin rash, hives
• cough
• unexplained sore throat
• hoarseness
• swollen or painful glands
• change in behaviour
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin
• bone or joint pain

What other important information should I know about carbamazepine?

• Carbamazepine may make your child's skin more likely to sunburn. When going outside, your child must cover up with clothing and a hat or wear a sunscreen. Look for a sunscreen that protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 15. Ask your pharmacist to help you pick the right sunscreen.
• Carbamazepine may make your child dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than normal, especially in the beginning of therapy. Tell your child's teacher that they are taking this medication.
• This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If your child has diabetes, call your doctor if you notice a change in the results of blood or urine sugar tests.
• Keep all appointments at the clinic or doctor's office and for blood tests so that your child's response to carbamazepine can be checked.
• Before your child has any kind of surgery, including dental surgery or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that your child is taking carbamazepine.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicine (prescribed or not prescribed). Make sure that the doctor or pharmacist knows your child is taking carbamazepine, so that any possible drug interactions can be avoided.
• Keep this medication in a tightly closed container in a dry place. Heat and moisture may cause the medicine to breakdown and be less effective. Throw away any carbamazepine which you do not use.
  

Keep carbamazepine out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much carbamazepine, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.