Safely Buy Tegretol XR ( Carbamazepine CR ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Tegretol XR is a medication that contains the active ingredient carbamazepine.

Tegretol XR is an anticonvulsant and specific analgesic used for the treatment of various conditions, including epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia (a type of nerve pain), and diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes).

Use and Dosage

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking carbamazepine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking the extended-release tablets, take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times a day. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Inspect the tablets for chips and cracks. Do not take any damaged tablets.

If you are taking the extended-release capsules, take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times a day. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, you may open them and sprinkle the contents onto a teaspoonful of applesauce or other soft food. Swallow all the drug/food mixture right away. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions (such as seizures) may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, a red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as sudden mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, insomnia, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, irritable, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Serious side effects include:

• A skin rash, no matter how mild
• Loss of appetite, right-sided upper stomach pain, or dark urine
• Slow, fast, or pounding heartbeats
• Anemia or other blood problems–fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual tiredness, or feeling light-headed or short of breath
• Low levels of sodium in the body–headache, confusion, severe weakness, feeling unsteady, or increased seizures

Common side effects of Tegretol XR may include:

• Dizziness, loss of coordination, or problems with walking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

• Before taking carbamazepine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anti-seizure medications (such as fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) or to tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, desipramine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: decreased bone marrow function (bone marrow depression), blood disorders (such as porphyria, anemia), glaucoma, heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), mineral imbalances (such as low levels of sodium or calcium in the blood).
• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Get medical help right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, unsteadiness, or irregular heartbeat. Confusion and unsteadiness can increase the risk of falling. Older adults may also be at greater risk of developing a type of mineral imbalance (low levels of sodium in the blood), especially if they are also taking “water pills” (diuretics).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. It may harm an unborn baby. However, since untreated seizures or bipolar disorder are serious conditions that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor right away the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, prenatal care that includes tests for birth defects is recommended. Since birth control pills, patches, implants, and injections may not work if used with this medication (see also Drug Interactions section), discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor.
• This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Tegretol XR is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Tegretol XR SA Tablet:
  • 200 mg
• Carbamazepine CR tablet:
  • 100 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while taking Tegretol XR?

Drinking alcohol with Tegretol XR can cause side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures.

Grapefruit may interact with Tegretol XR and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Tegretol XR could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-13503/tegretol-xr-oral/details
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/016608s096,018281s044,018927s035,020234s025REVISED_LABEL.pdf
3. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/tegretol-xr.html#side-effects