|
Carbatrol
Brand Name: Epitol, Equetro, Tegrelol, Tegretol XR.
What is it?
Carbatrol is a medication that is used to treat an individual who is suffering from partial and generalized seizures, these are types of epilepsy. It is a drug that affects the nerves and the brain. It works by decreasing the impulses in the nerves that cause seizures and pain. It in some instances is used to treat an individual who has a bipolar disorder.
How to take it?
Carbatrol needs to be prescribed by your doctor. It comes in an extended-release capsule form. An individual usually takes two doses of the medication, once in the morning, and once at night. It is usually taken every twelve hours. You can take the medication with or without food; however, you should take it with a full glass of water. If you are a person who has difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, then Carbatrol’s unique form allows you to open the capsule and sprinkle the beads inside onto applesauce or other soft foods and taken that way. This ensures that you get your correct dosage of the medication. Carbatrol has a unique system of allows an individual to get the most of the medication. When an individual initial swallows this medication, immediately twenty-five percent of the drug is released into the individual’s system; between eight and twelve hours after taking the medication, forty percent of the drug is released into the system. Finally, toward the end of the dosage time, the remaining thirty-five percent is released into the system, allowing the unique extended-release to benefit the individual and provide the best amount of medication.
Warnings and Precautions
If you are going to take this medication, your doctor needs to know if you have a history of kidney, liver, or heart disease. It may also under certain circumstance have an affect and cause anemia.
They are some drugs that can possibly interact with this medication. If your happen to be taking Elavil, Anafranil, Siniquan, Norpramin, or Tofranil you need to advise your doctor immediately.
An individual should know that this medication can make you dizzy or drowsy so you should avoid driving and using machinery while under the influence of this drug.
If you are taking Carbatrol you need to avoid exposure to sunlight and you need to wear protective clothing and you need to avoid exposure to the sun.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can have a negative interaction with Carbatrol, so you need to avoid consuming it while you are on this medication.
If you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or breast-feeding, you need to inform your doctor immediately, as this drug might not be right for you, and could cause some serious side effects to your unborn child or baby.
What should you do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose, and stick to your regular schedule. Do not take any extra doses, as this could cause a fatal reaction.
What are the side effects?
They are many side effects that can occur from taking this mediation. The side effects can be serious or less serious. The less serious side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, and joint pain. The serious side effects include blurred or double vision, decreased urination, chest pain, confusion, numbness of the hands, feet, arms or legs, and hallucinations or depression.
How to store this medication?
This medication should be stored at room temperature, and kept away from excessive heat and humidity. This can reduce the effectiveness of the medication by fifty percent. Always, remember to keep this and all medications away from children.
What does it look like?
Carbatrol comes in an extended-release capsule. It comes in three doses, 100mg, 200mg, and 300mg. Carbatrol should be taken twice a day. A doctor will monitor your progress on the drug and can adjust the levels of the medication to better meet your needs.
What if you overdose?
If you by chance take more than the recommended amount of this drug and overdose, contact poison control center immediately; along with your doctor.
|
