Stazepine (other name Tegretol)

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

Asian ancestry

bone marrow disease

glaucoma

heart disease or irregular heartbeat

kidney disease

liver disease

porphyria

psychotic disorders

suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

an unusual or allergic reaction to carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, phenobarbital or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow these tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or divide them. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years of age, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

delavirdine

MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

nefazodone

oxcarbazepine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

acetaminophen

acetazolamide

barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital

certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin or troleandomycin

cimetidine

cyclosporine

danazol

dicumarol

doxycycline

female hormones, including estrogens and birth control pills

grapefruit juice

soniazid, INH

levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones

lithium and other medicines to treat mood problems or psychotic disturbances

loratadine

medicines for angina or high blood pressure

medicines for cancer

medicines for depression or anxiety

medicines for sleep

medicines to treat fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole

medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS

methadone

niacinamide

praziquantel

propoxyphene

rifampin or rifabutin

seizure or epilepsy medicine

steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone

theophylline

tramadol

warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breathing problems

changes in vision

confusion

dark urine

fast or irregular heartbeat

fever or chills, sore throat

mouth ulcers

pain or difficulty passing urine

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

ringing in the ears

seizures

stomach pain

swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually weak or tired

vomiting

worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying

yellowing of the eyes or skin

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

clumsiness or unsteadiness

diarrhea or constipation

headache

ncreased sweating

nausea

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.