Carbamazepine (Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Equetro®-XR): Basic Information

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant with mood-stabilizing properties. Here is basic information about this medication.

FDA-approved indications

Equetro® (extended-release carbamazepine): For the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder

Dosage

Initial: 200 mg twice daily
Titrate: 200 mg/day until clinical response
Maximum: 1600 mg/day

Important instructions:

1. Reduce dose gradually when discontinuing treatment.
2. Monitor serum carbamazepine concentrations to help in dose selection and minimizing the risk of toxicity.
3. Capsules may be taken orally or opened and beads sprinkled over food.

Dosage forms and strengths

Immediate-release tablets (Tegretol and generic): 200 mg

Extended-release capsules (Equetro® and generic): 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg

Extended-release tablets (Tegretol®-XR and generic): 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg

Side effects

Please see this page for a handout listing the common and less common side effects of carbamazepine along with the percentages of patients who report them

Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see link below) before prescribing this medication.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Trileptal® (oxcarbazepine) versus Tegretol® (carbamazepine)

When to measure serum levels of mood stabilizers

HLA antigens and psychotropic drugs

How to start and titrate lamotrigine (Lamictal®)

Restarting lamotrigine

References

Equetro® Prescribing Information

Tegretol® / Tegretol XR® Prescribing Information

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