This medication should only be taken with meals, never on an empty stomach.
Carbamazepine-XR (extended-release) tablets must be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew them.

Side effects especially at the start of treatment may include:
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, unsteadiness, vomiting
Other side effects may include:
Allergic reactions, blood pressure changes, bone marrow suppression, hives, rash, sensitivity to light, swelling

All of the following drugs may raise the amount of Carbamazepine in the blood to harmful levels:
Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Calcium channel blockers such as Calan, Plendil, Sular, and Procardia
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Danazol (Danocrine)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Niacinamide
Nicotinamide
Propoxyphene (Darvon)
Troleandomycin (Tao)
Valproate (Depakene, Depakote)
Please inform your doctor about ANY medications you may be taking, as this medication can negatively interact with many medicines.

The most prominent signs of a Carbamazepine overdose include:
Coma, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, inability to urinate, involuntary rapid eye movements, irregular or reduced breathing, absence or low production of urine, lack of coordination, low or high blood pressure, muscular twitching, nausea, pupil dilation, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, severe muscle spasm, shock, tremors, unconsciousness, vomiting, writhing movements

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss more than 1 dose in a day, check with your doctor.

Carbamazepine is used in the treatment of seizure disorders, including certain types of epilepsy. It is also prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia (severe pain in the jaws) and pain in the tongue and throat.

Some doctors use Carbamazepine to treat alcohol withdrawal, cocaine addiction, and emotional disorders such as depression and abnormally aggressive behavior. The drug is also used to treat migraine headache and "restless legs."

Store at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect the tablets from light and moisture

If you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney damage, an adverse blood reaction to any drug, glaucoma, or serious reactions to other drugs, you should discuss this history thoroughly with your doctor before taking this medication.
Older adults, especially, can become confused or agitated when taking Tegretol.
Tegretol has been known to cause serious blood, liver, and skin reactions, both early in treatment and after extended use. Alert your doctor immediately if you develop such warning signs as fever, sore throat, rash, ulcers in the mouth, easy bruising or spots in the skin, swollen lymph glands, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.