Carbatrol: Drug Information

Carbatrol is an anticonvulsant that is used for the treatment of certain kinds of seizures and epilepsy. Other uses of Carbatrol include providing relief from pain in the facial nerves, helping to withdraw from alcohol addiction, treating obsession, treating diabetic neuropathies, treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, treating restless leg syndrome and chorea. The generic name for this drug is Carbamazepine and it is sold under the brand name of Carmaz, Carmine, Carbatrol, Tagerol, Atretol, Epitol and Depitol. The other names used for Carbatrol are Antilep, Carbadac, Carmaz, Carmaz Kid, Cizetol, Epinil, Epix, Mezapin, Tegretol, Tegrital and Versitol RTD. It is advised to check with a registered medical practitioner before taking any antidepressants, since they are also prescribed for other illnesses.

The modus operandi for Carbatrol is moderating polysynaptic responses and impeding post-tetanic potentiation. This drug is useful in treating partial and generalized types of convulsions, but is not helpful in treating neuralgia and glosso-pharyngeal neuralgia.

Indications and dosage:

Carbatrol should be taken orally and its dosage depends upon the age of the sufferer. Take this medicine as directed by your doctor and do not stop taking it abruptly as it may worsen your present condition.

Warning and precautions:

Do not take Carbatrol if you are hypersensitive to it.

Carbatrol should not be given to individuals suffering from AV conduction abnormalities and porphyria.

You must tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating. It has been found that Carbatrol can pass into breast milk and may have unwanted effects on the baby.

Patients with cardiovascular disease, hepatic or kidney disease, brain tumors, thyroid disorder, hypertension etc. should tell their doctor about their medical history before taking this medicine.

Special caution is recommended if the medicine is being taken by the elderly.

Carbatrol should not be given to patients taking mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or oral anticoagulants.

It should also not be co-administered with carbamazepine or substituted for other antiepileptic drugs.

Side effects of Carbatrol:

Some of the most common side effects of this medicine include an excessive reduction in the number of white blood cells, skin rash, increased risk kidney failure, oliguria, protein urea, presence of blood in the urine, water intoxication and hyponatraemia especially when given in high doses combined with phenytoin. Other side effects include hepatitis, falling of the outer layer of the skin due to inflammation, Seven Johnson Syndrome and anemia.