The aim of the leaflet is to give you an overview of carbamazepine; what it is and how it works. More detailed information can be found in the manufacturer’s leaflet and this must be read in full before starting carbamazepine.
What is carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine is a medication used to treat certain types of pain for example Trigeminal neuralgia and other nerve-based (known as ‘neuropathic’) pain. It is most effective against nerve pain and belongs to a group of medications called anticonvulsants which are also used to treat epilepsy.
How does it work?
It works by slowing down the electrical messages sent along nerves to the brain. If the messages are reduced, the pain also reduces.
How do I take carbamazepine?
You will normally be started on a low dose, taking tablets either once or twice a day and the dose will be gradually increased until it helps with the pain.
The clinician will explain this and the number of times per day you should take the medication to your GP and there will be clear instructions on the packet for you to follow.
Carbamazepine must be taken regularly, not just when you have pain, and you should try and space out the doses evenly throughout the day.
You can take the tablets with or without food. Some tablets have to be swallowed whole, and some can be split in half to make it easier to swallow – you should check the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, there is an oral liquid available.
How long does it take to work?
Every patient is different, but it may take up to two to four weeks before the carbamazepine starts to work. Carbamazepine can work very well for neuralgias and cause the pain to go into remission. Very rarely, it may become less effective over time.
Can I take carbamazepine long-term?
Carbamazepine can be taken for months or years. Once pain is under control, your clinician may suggest that your dosage of carbamazepine is reduced or stopped to give you a break from the medication. If so it will be reduced gradually over time until the medication is stopped safely. It can be restarted if the pain comes back.
What are the possible side-effects?
Carbamazepine, like all medicines, can cause side effects. Most are mild and usually go away by themselves but some need immediate medical attention. Some common or important side effects you should be aware of include:
- Feeling tired or dizzy
- Low sodium level in the blood. When you first start taking carbamazepine, regular blood tests should be taken until you are on a stable dose
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Confusion
- Feeling unsteady on your feet
- Feeling or being sick
- Double vision
- Mouth sores, high temperature and infection- these can be signs of a reduced number of infection-fighting cells in the blood. Regular blood tests will be taken when you first start taking carbamazepine and if you develop these symptoms, you should contact your GP immediately
- Skin rash/ lesion. If you develop a skin rash, it is important to speak to your GP as it can be a sign of something more serious
There is a full list of side effects in the manufacturer’s information leaflet that comes with your medication, with advice on when to seek medical attention. You should read it before you start.
Can I take other medicines at the same time?
Carbamazepine interacts with a number of other medicines including over the counter medicines and herbal/ alternative medicines. Taking these together may result in increased side effects or some medicines not working effectively. It is important that you ensure that anyone prescribing or recommending medicines knows that you are taking carbamazepine.
What about pregnancy and breast feeding?
Carbamazepine is not recommended if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding. Women of childbearing age should take adequate contraceptive precautions.
You should talk to your GP straight away if you are taking carbamazepine and you are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to become pregnant. They will talk to you about the risks and benefits of continuing treatment and the possible effects on the baby, or whether an alternative treatment might be more suitable.
Oxcarbazepine may make some hormonal contraceptives ineffective, so ensure that you talk to your GP about suitable methods of contraception if this applies to you.
Can I drive while taking carbmazepine?
You should not drive or operate heavy machinery if carbamazepine has made you feel tired/ dizzy. When you first start treatment, or when your dose is changed, you should avoid driving until you know how it affects you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are safe to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Can I drink alcohol?
You should avoid alcohol as much as possible when you take carbamazepine as it can make you feel more tired/ dizzy and cause you to fall or injure yourself. Talk to your doctor about sensible alcohol limits for you.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of carbamazepine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. In this case, it’s better to leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I want to stop taking carbamazepine?
Do not stop taking carbamazepine suddenly, this can make you feel unwell. Tell your GP if you want to stop taking carbamazepine and your dose can be reduced gradually and safely.
For further information
Contact details
If you have questions about the medicine, you can also contact our pharmacy medicines information patient helpline who may be able to help you. They are available Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm on 0191 282 3016.
For queries about your pain condition, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm please telephone 0191 233 6161 and ask the switchboard to transfer you to the department you were seen on. This information can be found on your appointment card or letter.
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) for help, advice and information about NHS services. You can contact them on freephone 0800 032 02 02, email PALS.
Useful websites
If you would like further information about health conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at the NHS website.
If you would like to find accessibility information for our hospitals, please visit accessable website.
