WHAT IS Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Carbatrol/CARBAMAZEPINE is used to control seizures caused by certain types of epilepsy. This medicine is also used to treat nerve related pain. It is not for common aches and pains. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
• confusion
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• ringing in the ears
• seizures
• swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains
• changes in vision
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever or chills, sore throat
• breathing problems
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• unusually weak or tired
• dark urine
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• mouth ulcers
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• increased sweating
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea
• headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, 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.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast-feeding
• Asian ancestry
• psychotic disorders
• bone marrow disease
• kidney disease
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Carbatrol/carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, Phenytek er/phenytoin, phenobarbital or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• porphyria
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• glaucoma

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medicine without discussing the change with your doctor or health care professional. If you are taking this medicine for epilepsy (seizures) do not stop taking it suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Keep out of reach of children.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• delavirdine
• Trileptal/oxcarbazepine
• nefazodone
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl , Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• niacinamide
• medicines for angina or high blood pressure
• certain antibiotics like Biaxin/clarithromycin, P.c.e/erythromycin or troleandomycin
• seizure or epilepsy medicine
• Ultram/tramadol
• medicines to treat fungal infections, like Diflucan/fluconazole, Sporanox/itraconazole or Nizoral/ketoconazole
• cimetidine
• Claritin/loratadine
• propoxyphene
• medicines for sleep
• Gengraf/cyclosporine
• grapefruit juice
• praziquantel
• female hormones, including estrogens and birth control pills
• rifampin or rifabutin
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital
• Coumadin/warfarin
• dicumarol
• acetaminophen
• methadone
• Theox tr/theophylline
• medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS
• Diamox/acetazolamide
• Lithotabs/lithium and other medicines to treat mood problems or psychotic disturbances
• isoniazid, INH
• Levothroid/levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones
• Danocrine/danazol
• Periostat/doxycycline
• medicines for cancer
• steroid medicines such as Deltasone/prednisone or cortisone
• medicines for depression or anxiety

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

HOW SHOULD I USE Carbatrol/Carbamazepine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take this medicine with or without food. The capsules can be opened and the beads sprinkled over food such as applesauce or other similar food product. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.