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Epitol
Brand Name: Carbamazepine, Tegretol
What is it?
Epitol is a drug that is used to treat some types of seizures that are associated with epilepsy. It is also used in the treatment of neuralgia. In some instances, some doctors have even used it to treat some forms of bipolar disorders.
How to take it?
Epitol needs to be prescribed by your doctor. It comes in five forms: tablets, chewable tablets, oral suspension, extended-release tablets, and extended-release capsules. If possible you should try and take the tablets and chew tabs with food. This medication should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it could have a negative effect on the individual. Initially, an individual is started on a low dose. A doctor will then adjust an individual’s dosage based on the individual’s response to the treatment.
Warnings and Precautions
If you are going to take this medication your doctor needs to know if you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney disease, anemia, or other types of blood issues, and diabetes.
There are some drugs that can possibly interact with this medication. If you are taking cimetidine, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, diltiazem, verapamil, estrogens, tricyclic antidepressants, and quinidine, you need to advise your doctor before taking this medication.
If you are pregnant, planning or becoming pregnant or breast-feeding, you need to inform your doctor immediately. There is some evidence that suggest that if you take this drug while pregnant, it can increase the chance of your child being born with some birth defects.
This medication can make an individual dizzy or drowsy so you should avoid driving a car or using machinery while on this medication. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it can have a harmful effect on an individual.
While taking this medication you can become more sensitive to sunlight. Any overexposure to sunlight may cause an individual to develop a skin rash. You should wear protective clothing and try to avoid the sun while taking this medication.
What should you do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take that dose only. Do not take any extra doses. If by chance you miss more than one dose then you should contact your doctor.
What are the side effects?
There are some side effects that this medication can bring on. Some of the common side effects include mild dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and headache, and heartburn, sensitivity to sunlight, irritation, upset stomach and loss of appetite. There are some side effects that are more severe and require immediate medical attention. These include: behavioral changes, confusion, shakiness, stiffness of the limbs, uncontrolled movements, blood in the urine or stool, shortness of breath, yellowing of the eyes and skin, wheezing, tightness of the chest, sores, pain, fever, swollen glands, chills, muscle trembling, skin rash, and mood swings.
How to store this medication?
This medication should be stored at room temperature, and away from excessive heat and moisture. This medication should not be store in your bathroom as that will expose it to heat and moisture. You should keep the syrup form of this medication in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. This medication should be kept out of the reach of children. You should never use any medication after its expiration date.
What does it look like?
Epitol comes in five forms: tablets, chewable tablets, oral suspension, extended-release tablets, and extended-release capsules. It also ranges in dosages. The 200mg tablet is flat and white, the 100mg chew tab is round, flat and pale pink with red spots, the 200mg chew tab is oval, and pale pink with red spots, the 200mg extended-release is oval, beige-orange in color and the 400mg is oval, brownish-orange in color. The doctor will usually start you out with a lower dose, and then evaluate and individual’s condition and response to the medication to determine if they can have an increase in dosage. Children and elderly patients are usually kept on lower doses.
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.
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