Tegretol, medically known as carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that was initially developed to treat epilepsy. However, further medical research has proved that the drug can be prescribed as a mood stabiliser in individuals who have bipolar disorder. In addition, Tegretol can also be used to treat nerve pain, such as diabetic neuropathy and trigeminal neuralgia.
There are various reported side effects caused by Tegretol; however, there is no scientific evidence that the drug can cause depression. The drug itself is a mood stabiliser medication that works to control specific chemicals within the brain. Tegretol is not known to cause depression; however, it can amplify how you feel at the moment if not taken appropriately.
As explained before, Tegretol is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder which involved episodes of mania or depressions. This leads many individuals who have been prescribed the drug to believe that it is why you feel depressed, but this is not the case.
Important information you should know about Tegretol
If you have bipolar disorder, you will require staying on a long-term treatment plan. Many patients who begin taking Tegretol will start to feel mentally and physically better often very soon after the first dose. This results in either the individual forgetting or believing they don’t need to continue taking Tegretol. This, however, is far from the case, missing a dose of carbamazepine can increase your risk of a relapse of your moods. If you stop taking the medication within a medical professional’s advice, your mind can drag you into a depressive state with the danger of suicidal thoughts appearing.
In order for Tegretol to successfully work, you will need to take the tablet every day, preferably at the same time. If you have started missing doses or your mood has begun to severely fluctuate you will need to seek medical help immediately so you doctor can re-assess the treatment plan.
Important warnings with Tegretol
This specific drug has a black box warning that signifies both doctors and patients that there are severe and possibly dangerous effects of taking this drug. The FDA which stands for the Food and Drug Administration, has declared severe warnings with this medication brand. The article Epilispy has stated that there can be severe side effects of carbamazepine, but there are extremely rare. It is essential to be aware of possible reactions and what to do if they happen. Only a minimal number of people have died from them. While the chances of the following two severe effects occurring are meagre, there is evidence that an individual can have:
Low blood cell count warning:
Tegretol has been known to reduce the number of blood cells that your body naturally makes. In sporadic cases, this side effect can be life-threatening. Ensure you are completely upfront with your doctor regarding any health problems you have suffered with since birth.
If you are currently taking Tegretol and begin experiencing any of the following symptoms, we would advise you contact your doctor immediately:
- Intense weakness or fatigue
- Constant bleeding from our nose of gums
- Bruising easier than usual
- Infection or a very persistent sore throat
- Purple or red spots over your entire body
Severe skin reactions:
Tegretol has been known to cause a life-threatening allergic reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN); however, this is in sporadic cases. This specific reaction can cause severe damage to both your internal organs and your skin. If you happen to begin experiencing any of the following shortly after being prescribed Tegretol we would advise you call your doctor immediately:
- Hives
- Blisters on your face, mouth, genitals or eyes
- Swelling on your lips, tongue or face
- Skin rash
The most common sign effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Not all of the side effects associated with Tegretol are dangerous; the majority of the common side effects of this branded drug can be:
- Drowsiness
- Constant nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constantly unsteady
At first glance, these side effect may not seem that serious; however, they can highly impact your day-to-day life. If you are to experience either drowsiness or dizziness, you must constant your doctor or health professional. It can become increasingly dangerous for you to complete activities such as driving if you are not fully alert at all times of the day.
Alcohol and Tegretol effects
If you have been prescribed to take Tegretol as part of a treatment plan regularly, you should limit, if not cut out drinking alcohol altogether. The chemicals within the alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects and cause mild symptoms, as stated above. If you experience any of the common side effects, you should be completely upfront with your doctor to ensure your health is never in danger.
Your body will eventually get used to you ingesting carbamazepine; the common side effects will begin to fade, which will allow you to drink small amounts of alcohol.
The bottom line when it comes to Tegretol
No matter what type of drug you take or what you take it for, there will always be various risks and side effects. However, when it comes to Tegretol, the good news is that studies have shown this medication to be highly effective and in general tolerated well by people who suffer from the mental health issue of bipolar disorder. If you are prescribed Tegretol ensure that you are being monitored and that your doctor explains all the side effects to be worried about.
Tegretol can be a dangerous drug that many individuals begin to abuse because of its effect on the brain. The withdrawal process could have severe side effects, mostly if the individual were to go cold turkey. Take back control of your life and allow the Shoreline Recovery Center to assist you in your process. All calls are entirely confidential, and we will never pressure you into a treatment plan until you are ready.
