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Carmaz - Uses And Sides Effects of Carmaz

Generic Name: Carbamazepine

Brand Name: Carbatrol, Tegerol, Atretol, Epitol, Depitol

What is Carmaz and for what Carmaz is used ?

Carbamazepine (Epitol, Tegretol, Atretol) given as a monotherapy or in combination with lithium or neuroleptics has been found useful in the treatment of acute mania and the prophylactic treatment of bipolar (manic-depressive) disorders.

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and specific analgesic for trigeminal neuralgia. Carmaz is an anticonvulsant and is mainly used to control epilepsy. Carmaz also is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders, drug and alcohol withdrawal, restless leg syndrome, and a disease in children called chorea.

How Carmaz works

Carmaz (Carbamazepine) relieves or diminishes the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia often within 24 to 48 hours. When taken in a single oral dose, the Carmaz (Carbamazepine) tablets and chewable tablets yield peak plasma concentrations within 4 to 24 hours. Beneficial results have also been reported in glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

How to Take Carmaz

Carmaz may be taken with or without food. Carmaz has not been shown to increase the effects of alcohol. Even so, you should take extra care if you drink alcohol while taking Carmaz .

Carmaz may cause an upset stomach. Take Carmaz with food or milk. Do not stop taking Carmaz without talking to your doctor.

What are the Side Effects of Carmaz

These effects are normally mild to moderate and often disappear after a short time. Some common side effects reported with Carmaz include.

• Headache
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Fatigue.
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Dizziness

Warnings and precautions for Carmaz

• Carmaz should be used with caution in patients with a mixed seizure disorder that includes atypical absence seizures, since in these patients carbamazepine has been associated with increased frequency of generalized convulsions.
• There have been isolated cases of people experiencing suicidal thoughts during or shortly after stopping treatment with this medicine. For this reason you should let your doctor know if you have any distressing thoughts or feelings at any time.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance. This medicine may make you feel sleepy and so may reduce your ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery safely. If you do experience drowsiness this may be made worse by alcohol.
• Carmaz should not be used during pregnancy and if you are breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant, or you are trying to become pregnant, while you are taking Carmaz.
• When alcohol, tricyclic antidepressants, barbiturates or hydantoins are taken at the same time, the signs and symptoms of acute poisoning with carbamazepine may be aggravated or modified.
• Do not take Carmaz (carbamazepine) liquid at the same time as any other liquid medications
• Carmaz medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

What drugs may interact with Carmaz

The simultaneous administration of phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone, or a combination of two, produces a marked lowering of serum levels, of Carmaz. The effect of valproic acid on Carmaz blood levels is not clearly established, although an increase in the ratio of active 10, 11-epoxide metabolite to parent compound is a consistent finding.

Alterations of thyroid function have been reported in combination therapy with other anticonvulsant medications. Concomitant administration of carbamazepine with erythromycin, cimetidine, propoxyphene, isoniazid, fluoxetine or calcium channel blockers has been reported to result in elevated plasma levels of carbamazepine resulting in toxicity in some cases. Also concomitant administration of carbamazepine and lithium may increase the risk of neurotoxic side effects.

What to do if you take Overdose of Carmaz ?

If you take overdose of Carmaz the seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

Signs and Symptoms of taking overdose of Carmaz.

• The first signs and symptoms appear after 1-3 hours. Neuromuscular disturbances are the most prominent. Cardiovascular disorders are generally milder, and severe cardiac complications occur only when very high doses (60g) have been ingested.
• Irregular breathing, respiratory depression.

What to do if you take Missed Dose of Carmaz ?

If you miss a dose of Carmaz , take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How to Store Carmaz :

• Keep Carmaz medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
• Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not store above 30 °C.
• Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

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