1. Is Carbamazepine a Controlled Substance?
Despite belonging to a family of dibenzazepine anticonvulsants, Carbamazepine is not a controlled substance, according to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). While it is indicated for pain relief from nerve pains, the abuse of Carbamazepine as an analgesic is more likely to bring about adverse side effects than feelings of euphoria.
2. How to Reduce Carbamazepine Dose?
Due to the high risk of side effects associated with Carbamazepine, physicians suggest gradually reducing the dosage. Discontinuation of the drug abruptly may lead to withdrawal seizures or other symptoms requiring medical assistance. Attempts to discontinue it must be made around three months after the introduction of the drug regimen.
3. Does Carbamazepine Cause Weight Gain?
Carbamazepine increases your metabolism, which may need concomitant food intake. A study observed an average weight gain of 2.35% in patients on Carbamazepine monotherapy, with at least 66.7% of the study participants reporting weight gain in general (Gaspari C. & Guerreiro C., 2010). Another reason for the weight gain is increased water retention due to low sodium levels, as a side effect of Carbamazepine therapy.
4. Is There a Generic Alternative for Carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine is available worldwide in generic forms. While the innovator brand name is Tegretol, you can purchase Tegretol generics and other brands, such as Carbatrol, Equeto, Epitol, Acetol, Carbacontin, Carbanex SR, Carbdac, Carmaz, Carzep, Mazetol, Tegrital, Versitol, Zeptol, Zen, and Zen Retard.
5. What Are the Long-Term Effects of Taking Carbamazepine?
Studies have not reported the long-term effects of taking Carbamazepine, but there have been recorded instances of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Some cases implicate the role of Carbamazepine consumption in fibrosis of the heart. More than long-term effects, immediate side effects of Carbamazepine pose a more critical problem due to their severity.
6. Is Carbamazepine Addictive?
Carbamazepine may be an analgesic, but it does not induce any euphoric feelings on consumption. It gives rise to depressive symptoms, leaving no scope for abuse. The medicine is not associated with any psychological or physical dependence. However, isolated cases of consumption of Carbamazepine with alcohol have described a sense of euphoria.
7. What Happens When You Stop Taking Carbamazepine?
The sudden termination of Carbamazepine can cause excessive withdrawal symptoms and seizures. Seizures can be observed even in patients who do not use Carbamazepine for epilepsy, as the body gets used to an anticonvulsant that alters the brain’s electrical activity.
8. What Type of Seizures Does Carbamazepine Treat?
Carbamazepine has been indicated for treating mixed pattern seizures, partial seizures with complex symptoms originating in the temporal lobe or psychomotor seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic or grand-mal seizures. It is ineffective for absence or myoclonic seizures.
9. Can You Take Vitamin D With Carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine tends to increase the metabolic activity of the body. Doctors recommend consuming Vitamin D with it. As such, the medicine reduces the effects of the vitamin due to its quick metabolism in the body. Consequently, bone metabolism is affected due to decreased levels of Vitamin D in the body requiring supplementation.
10. How Long Does Carbamazepine Stay in Your System?
The half-life of an extended-release formulation of Carbamazepine is around 35 to 40 hours after one dose. Carbamazepine induces its metabolism in higher concentrations, leading to enhanced clearance. Thus, after several doses, the average half-life decreases to around 12 to 17 hours.
To better understand your regimen and the associated precautions, consult our team of expert doctors at Yashoda Hospitals. Get in touch today!
