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Carbamazepine

Epilepsy Carbamazepine is indicated for use as an anticonvulsant drug. Evidence supporting efficacy of carbamazepine as an anticonvulsant was derived.

Checked against the official label · Updated

Prescription medicine Oral Safety alerts on record

How to use Carbamazepine

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Serious warning: SERIOUS DERMATOLOGIC REACTIONS AND HLA-B*1502 ALLELE SERIOUS AND SOMETIMES FATAL DERMATOLOGIC REACTIONS, INCLUDING TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS (TEN) AND STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS), HAVE BEEN REPORTED DURING TREATMENT WITH CARBAMAZEPINE. THESE REACTIONS ARE ESTIMATED TO OCCUR IN 1 TO 6 PER 10,000 NEW USERS IN COUNTRIES WITH MAINLY CAUCASIAN POPULATIONS, BUT THE RISK IN SOME ASIAN COUNTRIES IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 10 TIMES HIGHER. …
Who it is for

Epilepsy Carbamazepine is indicated for use as an anticonvulsant drug. Evidence supporting efficacy of carbamazepine as an anticonvulsant was derived from active drug-controlled studies that enrolled patients with the following seizure types: 1. Partial seizures with complex symptomatology (psychomotor, temporal lobe). Patients with these seizures appear to show greater improvement than those with other types. 2. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal). 3. Mixed seizure patterns which include the above, or other partial or generalized seizures. Absence seizures (petit mal) do not appear to be controlled by carbamazepine (see PRECAUTIONS , General). …

How to take it and how often
  • (SEE TABLE BELOW) Carbamazepine suspension in combination with liquid chlorpromazine or thioridazine results in precipitate formation, and, in the case of chlorpromazine, there has been a report of patient passing an orange rubbery precipitate in the stool following coadministration of the two drugs (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions)
  • Because the extent to which this occurs with other liquid medications is not known, Carbamazepine suspension should not be administered simultaneously with other liquid medications or diluents
  • Monitoring of blood levels has increased the efficacy and safety of anticonvulsants (see PRECAUTIONS, Laboratory Tests)
  • Dosage should be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient
  • A low initial daily dosage with a gradual increase is advised
  • As soon as adequate control is achieved, the dosage may be reduced very gradually to the minimum effective level
  • Medication should be taken with meals
  • Since a given dose of Carbamazepine suspension will produce higher peak levels than the same dose given as the tablet, it is recommended to start with low doses (children 6 to 12 years: ½ teaspoon four times a day and to increase slowly to avoid unwanted side effects
  • Conversion of patients from oral Carbamazepine tablets to Carbamazepine suspension: Patients should be converted by administering the same number of mg per day in smaller, more frequent doses (i.e., twice a day tablets to three times a day suspension)
  • Tegretol-XR is an extended-release formulation for twice a day administration. …
Strengths it comes in

Before prescribing carbamazepine, the physician should be thoroughly familiar with the details of this prescribing information, particularly regarding use with other drugs, especially those which accentuate toxicity potential.

Talk to a doctor first if
  • Carbamazepine should not be used in patients with a history of previous bone marrow depression, hypersensitivity to the drug, or known sensitivity to any of the tricyclic compounds, such as amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, protriptyline, nortriptyline, etc
  • Likewise, on theoretical grounds its use with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors is not recommended. …
Medicines it may not mix with

There has been a report of a patient who passed an orange rubbery precipitate in his stool the day after ingesting carbamazepine suspension immediately followed by Thorazine solution. Subsequent testing has shown that mixing carbamazepine suspension and chlorpromazine solution (both generic and brand name) as well as carbamazepine suspension and liquid Mellaril, resulted in the occurrence of this precipitate. Because the extent to which this occurs with other liquid medications is not known, carbamazepine suspension should not be administered simultaneously with other liquid medicinal agents or diluents (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). …

Warnings

Serious Dermatologic Reactions Serious and sometimes fatal dermatologic reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), have been reported with carbamazepine treatment. The risk of these events is estimated to be about 1 to 6 per 10,000 new users in countries with mainly Caucasian populations. However, the risk in some Asian countries is estimated to be about 10 times higher. Carbamazepine should be discontinued at the first sign of a rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related. If signs or symptoms suggest SJS/TEN, use of this drug should not be resumed and alternative therapy should be considered. …

Possible side effects

If adverse reactions are of such severity that the drug must be discontinued, the physician must be aware that abrupt discontinuation of any anticonvulsant drug in a responsive epileptic patient may lead to seizures or even status epilepticus with its life-threatening hazards. The most severe adverse reactions have been observed in the hemopoietic system and skin (see BOXED WARNING), the liver, and the cardiovascular system. The most frequently observed adverse reactions, particularly during the initial phases of therapy, are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting. To minimize the possibility of such reactions, therapy should be initiated at the lowest dosage recommended. …

If you take too much

Acute Toxicity Lowest known lethal dose: adults, 3.2 g (a 24-year-old woman died of a cardiac arrest and a 24-year-old man died of pneumonia and hypoxic encephalopathy); children, 4 g (a 14-year-old girl died of a cardiac arrest), 1.6 g (a 3-year-old girl died of aspiration pneumonia). Oral LD 50 in animals (mg/kg): mice, 1100 to 3750; rats, 3850 to 4025; rabbits, 1500 to 2680; guinea pigs, 920. Signs and Symptoms The first signs and symptoms appear after 1 to 3 hours. Neuromuscular disturbances are the most prominent. …

Dependence and misuse

No evidence of abuse potential has been associated with carbamazepine nor is there evidence of psychological or physical dependence in humans.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2025-02-18.

Brands around the world

Products with Carbamazepine as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

CarbamazepineCARBAMAZEPINE 200 mg/1 · Capsule, Extended Release · Apotex Corp.
NDC 60505-2806Label
CarbamazepineCARBAMAZEPINE 200 mg/1 · Tablet · REMEDYREPACK INC.
NDC 70518-2242Label
CarbatrolCARBAMAZEPINE 200 mg/1 · Capsule, Extended Release · Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
NDC 54092-172Label
CarbamazepineCARBAMAZEPINE 300 mg/1 · Capsule, Extended Release · Apotex Corp.
NDC 60505-2807Label
EquetroCARBAMAZEPINE 100 mg/1 · Capsule, Extended Release · Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC
NDC 30698-419Label

Nigeria (NAFDAC)

NAFDACCarbamazepine Tablets B4-2152NAFDACCarbamazepine 200 mg Tablets B4-5055NAFDACCarbamazepine Tablets BP 200 mg_ A4-101741NAFDACMaopin Tablets A4-9213NAFDACKamazipin Tablet B4-0178NAFDACZepine 200 Tablet 04-9454NAFDACJekmazepine Tablets_ A4-8458NAFDACTenzeltol 200 Tablet 04-8649NAFDACTenzeltol 200 Tablet 04-8649NAFDACTegretol® CR Tablets 04-0037NAFDACTegretol Tablets 200mg 04-0024NAFDACCarzepin Tablet 200 mg 04-0685

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Carbamazepine Tablets, USP, 200mg, packaged in a)1000-count bottles (NDC 51407-215-10), b) 100-count bottles (NDC 51407-215-01), Rx Only, Manufactured by: Taro Pharmaceutical IndusU.S. FDA Class II
7 Aug 2026 · Golden State Medical Supply Inc. · OngoingCGMP deviations: tablets with black specks.
Carbamazepine Tablets, USP, 200mg, 1000 count bottles, Rx only, Manufactured by: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Haifa Bay, Israel 2624761, Distributed by: Taro PharmaceuticalU.S. FDA Class II
3 Aug 2026 · SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC · OngoingCGMP Deviations; black spots found on tablets from burnt excipient during manufacturing
Carbamazepine Extended-Release Tablets, USP 400 mg, 30 Tablets per carton (3x10 unit dose cards), Rx Only, American Health Packaging, Columbus, OH 43217. Carton NDC 60687-594-21; U.S. FDA Class II
15 Sep 2025 · Amerisource Health Services LLC · OngoingFailed Dissolution Specifications.
Carbamazepine Tablets, USP 200 mg 100 Tablets Rx only NDC 13668-268-01 Manufactured by: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Bharuch-392130, India Manufactured for: Torrent Pharma Inc., BaU.S. FDA Class II
2 Dec 2021 · Torrent Pharma Inc. · TerminatedFailed Dissolution Specifications

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Carbamazepine

Type the registration number on the pack, or scan it with your camera.

Or take photos of the pack
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · Health Canada · WHO alerts

Questions about Carbamazepine

What is Carbamazepine used for?

Epilepsy Carbamazepine is indicated for use as an anticonvulsant drug. Evidence supporting efficacy of carbamazepine as an anticonvulsant was derived from active drug-controlled studies that enrolled patients with the following seizure types: 1. Partial seizures with complex symptomatology (psychomotor, temporal lobe). Patients with these seizures appear to show greater improvement than those with other types. 2. Gen (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Carbamazepine?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: (SEE TABLE BELOW) Carbamazepine suspension in combination with liquid chlorpromazine or thioridazine results in precipitate formation, and, in the case of chlorpromazine, there has been a report of patient passing an orange rubbery precipitate in the stool following coadministration of the two drugs (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions). Because the extent to which this occurs w…

Do I need a prescription for Carbamazepine?

Usually yes. Carbamazepine is a prescription medicine in most countries. Rules differ by country.

What brands contain Carbamazepine?

Carbamazepine is sold under names such as Tegretol, Epitol, Carbatrol, Equetro. Brand names differ between countries.

What are the side effects of Carbamazepine?

The official label lists: If adverse reactions are of such severity that the drug must be discontinued, the physician must be aware that abrupt discontinuation of any anticonvulsant drug in a responsive epileptic patient may lead to seizures or even status epilepticus with its life-threatening hazards. The most severe adverse reactions have been observed in the hemopoietic system and skin (see BOXED WAR… Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Can children take Carbamazepine?

The label gives a separate dose by age: children 6 to 12 years. Check the pack or ask a pharmacist.

What medicines interact with Carbamazepine?

There has been a report of a patient who passed an orange rubbery precipitate in his stool the day after ingesting carbamazepine suspension immediately followed by Thorazine solution. Subsequent testing has shown that mixing carbamazepine suspension and chlorpromazine solution (both generic and brand name) as well as carbamazepine suspension and liquid Mellaril, resulted in the… Use the free interaction checker before combining medicines.

What happens if I take too much Carbamazepine?

Acute Toxicity Lowest known lethal dose: adults, 3.2 g (a 24-year-old woman died of a cardiac arrest and a 24-year-old man died of pneumonia and hypoxic encephalopathy); children, 4 g (a 14-year-old girl died of a cardiac arrest), 1.6 g (a 3-year-old girl died of aspiration pneumonia). Oral LD 50 in… Get medical help right away.

How can I check that my Carbamazepine is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.

Sources

This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.