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Carbamazepine

Brand names: Tegretol, Carbatrol, Equetro

Carbamazepine treats epilepsy, trigeminal nerve pain, and bipolar disorder.

Brand namesTegretol, Carbatrol, Equetro
Type of medicineAnticonvulsant (seizure and nerve pain medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Blood levels and blood counts are checked. It interacts with many medicines.

What it's used for

  • Seizures
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Bipolar disorder (Equetro)

How to take it

  • Take it with food.
  • Swallow extended-release forms whole.
  • Don't stop suddenly; this can trigger seizures. Your provider will lower the dose slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Unsteadiness
  • Nausea
  • Blurry or double vision
Call 911Rash with blisters, peeling, mouth sores, or fever
Call 911Fever, sore throat, mouth sores, or unusual bruising (low blood counts)
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call your provider todayConfusion, headache, or weakness (low sodium)

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: serious skin reactions (much more likely with the HLA-B*1502 gene, common in people of Asian descent; testing is recommended) and serious blood problems.
  • It makes hormonal birth control less effective.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • It lowers levels of many medicines, including birth control, warfarin, and some antidepressants and HIV medicines.
  • Grapefruit juice, some antibiotics, and antifungals raise its level.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It can cause birth defects. Talk with your provider before pregnancy; don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.