What does it do?

Carbamazepine is used to treat and prevent seizures. Sometimes it is used for other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and some types of pain.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, bladder, prostate or bowel problems, or if you have angle-closure glaucoma.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take carbamazepine regularly as directed. You can take it with or without food.
Slow release tablet: Take with a glass of water. You can halve these, but do not crush or chew them.
Tablet: Take with a glass of water.
Liquid: Shake the bottle well, then measure carefully with an oral syringe or measuring spoon.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.

Can you take other medicines?

Carbamazepine can react with many medicines, sometimes with severe results.

Remember to tell your pharmacist or doctor you are taking carbamazepine before starting any other medicines or treatments, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Skin rash, skin peeling or blisters	Stop taking and see your doctor immediately
Suicidal thoughts Reduced number of blood cells that fight infections or help your blood to clot - symptoms include: fever, chills, sore throat or generally feeling unwell, or easy or unusual bruising or bleeding Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain	Tell your doctor immediately
Unusual eye movements Confusion, loss of co-ordination/walking or handwriting problems	Tell your doctor
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation or trouble peeing (anticholinergic effects) Tiredness or weakness	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Dizziness, drowsiness Nausea, vomiting	Common when you first start but should improve. Tell your doctor if troublesome.

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges may react with carbamazepine. Discuss with your pharmacist.
• Some contraceptives may not work as well while you are taking carbamazepine, and for 4 weeks after stopping. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Carbamazepine can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• You may need blood tests from time to time to make sure you are taking the right dose of carbamazepine.
• Do not stop taking carbamazepine without talking to your doctor first, unless you have a skin rash (see Side Effects).