Tegretol XR (Carbamazepine CR)

Do’s

• Before starting Tegretol XR, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions. 
• The dosage of Tegretol XR is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects. Follow their instructions carefully.
• Take Tegretol XR by mouth with food, usually twice a day. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. 
• Take Tegretol XR regularly at the same times each day to get the most benefit from it. Keep taking the medication even if you feel well unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.
• If your condition does not improve or if it worsens, inform your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the tablets, as this can release all of the drug at once and increase the risk of side effects. 
• Do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your healthcare provider instructs you to do so. 
• Do not take any damaged tablets.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using Tegretol XR unless your healthcare provider says it is safe to do so. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medication.
• Do not stop taking Tegretol XR without consulting your healthcare provider. Some conditions, such as seizures, may worsen when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased under medical supervision.

Common Side Effects:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Swelling of the ankles or feet
• Joint pain
• Skin rash
• Changes in the amount of urine

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, characterized by fever, sore throat, burning in the eyes, skin pain, and a red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.
• Liver problems: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach or abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and dark urine.
• Kidney problems: Changes in the amount of urine.
• Changes in heart rhythm: Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats.
• Mood changes: Changes in mood or behavior.

The above-listed serious side effects may require immediate medical attention.

Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to thoroughly review the prescribing information for Tegretol XR.

Tegretol XR may cause serious blood problems, such as a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. This can lead to symptoms like unusual weakness, bleeding, or bruising.

In rare cases, Tegretol XR can cause a life-threatening skin rash or allergic reaction. If you develop a skin rash that causes blistering and peeling, or experience fever and unusual weakness, seek medical attention immediately.

Some individuals may have a genetic variation called HLA-B*1502, which increases the risk of developing a serious skin reaction to Tegretol XR. Patients testing positive for this allele should not be treated with Tegretol XR unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

Tegretol XR should not be taken if you have a history of bone marrow suppression. Inform your healthcare provider if you have any blood disorders or a family history of blood disorders.

You should not take Tegretol XR if you are allergic to carbamazepine or to certain antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, or nortriptyline.

Tegretol XR can interact with other medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking. In particular, Tegretol XR should not be taken if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, as it can lead to a dangerous drug interaction.

Some people may experience changes in mood or symptoms while taking Tegretol XR. Stay alert to any new or worsening symptoms and report them to your healthcare provider.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and review the prescribing information for Tegretol XR.