Tegretol Coupon & Discounts

Tegretol Information:

• What

What is Tegretol?

Tegretol (carbamazepine) is an anticonvulsant which reduces abnormal neurological activity to decrease the impulses that cause seizures and pain, especially for disorders such as epilepsy. Your doctor may prescribe this medication for other purposes. Other Tegretol uses include treating manic episodes of bipolar disorder or treating face nerve pain (as an analgesic) associated with trigeminal neuralgia. It will take time (usually up to 4 weeks) for Tegretol to have full effect. This medication is available as a tablet, a chewable tablet, an oral suspension, and as an extended release capsule. 

• How

How do I take Tegretol?

Your dose and form of Tegretol will be determined by your doctor and may be adjusted. Always follow your doctor's instructions, and do not take more or less of this medication than prescribed.

Tegretol XR is often prescribed to be taken by mouth 2 times daily with or without food. Do not crush or chew your extended release medication; swallow it whole with water. If necessary, you may open the capsule and sprinkle its contents onto a single spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the applesauce immediately without chewing.

The Tegretol tablet, chewable tablet, and suspension are likely to be prescribed to be taken by mouth 2 to 4 times daily with food. Do not chew or break your standard Tegretol tablet; however, the chewable Tegretol must be chewed completely before swallowing. The oral suspension must be shaken before use, and you must use a dose-measuring spoon or cup to ensure you get the proper amount of medication.

• Precautions

Before taking Tegretol, tell your doctor if:

• You have a history of bone marrow suppression.
• You have any medical allergies, especially to tricyclic antidepressants.
• You have or have a family history of toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• You regularly take MAOIs, especially if you have taken them in the past 14 days.
• You have or have a history of kidney or liver disease or disorder, including jaundice or diabetes.
• You have or have a history of a mood or mental disorder, especially if you are or have been suicidal.
• You have or have a history of lupus.
• You have glaucoma.
• You have or have a history of thyroid disease or disorder.
• You have or have a history of porphyria.
• You have or have a history of heart disease or disorder, including high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• You are currently on a medical form of birth control.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding or intend to become pregnant or to breastfeed.
• You have problems swallowing pills.
• You regularly drink alcohol or are an alcoholic.
• You regularly consume grapefruit or products including grapefruit.
• You have reason to regularly or consistently be outside (e.g., your job).
• You are taking, or have taken in the past 14 days, any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, medications, supplements or vitamins, especially hormonal medications (e.g., birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy), antibiotics or antifungals, blood thinners, cancer medications, diuretics, immunosuppressant drugs for organ transplants, HIV/AIDS medications, other anticonvulsants, antidepressants, sedatives, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, narcotics and heart medications.
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking Tegretol?

Some of the Tegretol side effects are severe and require immediate emergency medical attention. These include: allergic reactions (swelling in the face and lips, swelling in the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, hives,  toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome), blood cell depletion (fever with sore throat and chills, unusual bruising, unusual bleeding,  mouth sores, purple dots in the skin), sudden mood changes or anxiety, sudden changes in behavior or thinking, suicidal thoughts or behavior, restlessness or insomnia, agitation or hostility, confusion, vision problems including hallucinations, feeling tired or lightheaded, fainting,  feeling short of breath or shallow breathing that may stop, fast or pounding heartbeats, slowed heart rate, fever, feeling unsteady or loss of coordination, slurred speech,  severe weakness or muscle cramps, problems with finger and toenails, pale skin, jaundice, unusual bleeding from mouth or nose, unusual bleeding from your rectum or vagina, easy bruising or purple pinpoints in the skin, fever with burning eyes and skin pain followed by a red-purple rash in the upper body that blisters and peels, rapid weight gain or body swelling, loss of appetite,  upper stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, little to no urinating, clay-colored stool.

Common Tegretol side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. These do not need medical attention unless they persist or get worse.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of Tegretol?

Never take extra medication to make up for a missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, you may take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.

• Storage

How do I store Tegretol?

Always store Tegretol at room temperature and away from any excess heat or moisture. Do not allow the oral suspension to freeze.

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on Tegretol?

Overdose symptoms include a staggering walk, slurred speech, tremors and muscle twitching, and shallow breathing. If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical assistance.

• Additional Info

Warnings

Tegretol may cause hazardous and life-threatening allergic reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. There is an inherited risk factor, especially if you are Asian, so your doctor may do a blood test before prescribing Tegretol.

This medication can deplete the number of blood cells you produce, which may be life threatening.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to certain tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine).

Tegretol can interfere with medical forms of birth control and make them less effective. Use a barrier method of birth control while taking this medication.

Never discontinue this medication without being instructed to by your doctor. This will cause increased seizures and may have unpleasant withdrawal effects.

You will sunburn more easily while taking this medication. Avoid tanning beds and be sure to cover up or use sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.

Tegretol can impair your thinking and reaction times, and dizziness or drowsiness are common side effects. Do not perform potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving) before you know how you will react to this medication. Drinking alcohol may exacerbate some of the side effects for this medication, and also increases your risk of seizure.

Grapefruit and grapefruit products can interact with Tegretol, causing increased or unwanted side effects. Discuss this with your doctor to determine any necessary changes in diet or behavior.

Brand Names

There is a generic medication for Tegretol (carbamazepine) as well as a small number of other brands for this type of medication (Equetro, Epitol, Carbatrol, or Teril). The availability of carbamazepine-based medications has not made Tegretol or the others inexpensive. To save as much as 85% on the Tegretol cost at your local pharmacy, simply click Claim Discount to download or print your free Tegretol coupon.