tegrital 100

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant or an anti-epileptic drug. It is available under different trade names in different nations, one of which is Tegrital (made by Sun Pharma, India).

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent certain types of seizures (fits). It is also prescribed for a painful condition of the face, head, and neck known as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetes-related nerve pain (diabetic neuropathy).

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet must be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time every day. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms.

It may be increased gradually. Many other medicines can interfere with this medicine so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe.

You can take this medicine with or without food but take it regularly at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit. It is important to take this medicine for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing even a single dose may trigger a seizure and, if you stop taking it abruptly, your condition may get worse.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, feeling dizzy, tired or drowsy, unsteadiness (balance disorder), constipation, dry mouth, and itching. Some people may develop blurring of vision and slurred speech.

Most of the side effects are not serious. However, let your doctor know straight away if you notice a skin rash or if your mood becomes depressed or if you develop any thoughts about harming yourself.

Before taking Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet, tell your doctor if you have any heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty in urinating, or any mental illness like depression.

These conditions may affect your treatment. You may be advised some blood tests (eg. CBC) before starting treatment and then periodically thereafter, to monitor your progress.

USES OF THE DRUG:

Carbamazepine is an effective medication in the treatment and control of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain. Carbamazepine is also effective in epilepsy and generalized-clonic and partial seizures.

It stabilizes the mood and relieves pain in unapproved indication in Schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder & borderline personality syndrome. The drug is also effective in relieving the pain of paroxysmal pain of trigeminal neuralgia.

There are wide array of antiepileptic drugs are available in the market in order to treat the condition but Tegrital is one of the most recommended drugs given in epilepsy.

BENEFITS OF TEGRITAL CHEWABLE TABLET

In Epilepsy/Seizures

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence.

It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.

This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

In Trigeminal neuralgia

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet can relieve nerve pain by decreasing nerve impulses which cause the pain (in the trigeminal nerve in your face). It is effective in treating this condition although other medications may also be used.

It will enable you to carry out certain daily activities like shaving, putting on make-up, eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth with some freedom from the worry and pain that trigeminal neuralgia can cause. It is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but should not be stopped suddenly.

In Diabetic nerve pain

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet relieves nerve pain by decreasing nerve impulses which cause the pain. If the pain is reduced you will feel more comfortable going about your daily life, but you should continue with all other diabetes medicines as prescribed.

This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TEGRITAL CHEWABLE TABLET

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Tegrital

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Sleepiness
• Abnormality of voluntary movements

HOW TO USE TEGRITAL CHEWABLE TABLET

Use it as advised by your doctor or check the label for directions before use. Take this medication by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing, or as directed by your doctor. Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

HOW TEGRITAL CHEWABLE TABLET WORKS

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

SAFETY ADVICE

Alcohol

UNSAFE

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Driving

UNSAFE

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

FAQs

Q. How quickly does Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet start working?

Your symptoms may take 1-2 weeks to improve. However, in some cases, it may take even longer. Consult your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or if you have any doubts regarding your condition.

Q. Is Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet an analgesic? What is it used for?

No, Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet is not an analgesic and should not be used for regular aches or pains. It is an anti-epileptic medicine which is used to treat fits (seizures). It is also used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (intense facial nerve pain). In addition to that, Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet is used to control mood disorders when other medicines fail to work.

Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet?

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including medicines for epilepsy or seizures, medicines used to thin your blood (e.g., warfarin), medicines to control bacterial infection (e.g., chloramphenicol, metronidazole and doxycycline) and medicines to control viral infection (e.g., nelfinavir).

Also, let your doctor know if you take asthma medicines (e.g., theophylline and montelukast), birth control pills, etc. It is important to tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Further, you should tell the doctor if you have ever had liver problems, kidney problems, lung problems or porphyria (a rare blood pigment disorder).

Q. What are the long-term effects of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet?

The long-term side effects of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet vary from person to person. While some people can take Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet safely for several years, some may develop side effects on using it for long term.

These side effects include osteoporosis and osteopenia in which the bones become weak and can get easily fractured. Therefore, if you have been prescribed Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet for a long term, get your bone density checked at regular intervals, maintain a healthy diet and exercise daily.

Q. What should I avoid while taking Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet?

Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet may make you sleepy or you may feel dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided since taking both together may cause excessive sleepiness.

Q. How do I stop taking Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet?

You should stop Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet only after consulting your doctor. It is advised to gradually decrease the dose of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet so that the condition for which you are taking it does not recur.

Q. How can I look for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions?

Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with your doctor as scheduled. Call your doctor as needed, especially if you are worried about any symptoms.

Q. Can the use of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet lead to weight gain? If yes, how can it be managed?

Yes, Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet causes weight gain as a common side effect. This could be due to an increase in appetite. You can manage your weight by eating a healthy diet, consuming low calorie food and including more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Also, regular physical exercise will be very helpful.

Q. Can the use of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet affect my sex life?

Though rare but Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet may cause decreased sexual desire. It may also impair male fertility as it may reduce sperm count and/or motility. Consult your doctor if you develop these symptoms.

Q. I am taking Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet for trigeminal neuralgia. For how long do I need to take it?

Once the medicine relieves your pain, talk to your doctor who will gradually reduce your dose. Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet can be possibly stopped if there is no recurrence of pain after taking the reduced dose for several weeks.

Q. How can I reduce the side effects of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet?

Side effects of Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet can be reduced by starting it at a low dose. The doctor may gradually increase the dose, until an effective dose is reached.

Q. When should I go for a laboratory test when taking this medicine?

Before starting treatment with Tegrital 100 Chewable Tablet, your doctor may ask you to get regular blood tests, liver function test, and in some cases, even a urine test. You may need to take these tests from time to time during your treatment. This is quite usual and nothing to worry about.