Epival (anticonvulsant properties)

Generic Name: Carbamazepine

Brand Name: Carbatrol, Tegerol, Atretol, Epitol, Depitol

Uses of Epival:

Epival is used to treat certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. It also relieves facial nerve pain.

Epival also is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders, drug and alcohol withdrawal, restless leg syndrome, and a disease in children called chorea. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How to Take Epival:

Epival is taken two to four times a day. To treat nerve pain, it is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Epival exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Epival may cause an upset stomach. Take Epival with food or milk. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Epival.

Side Effects of Epival:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

Drowsiness,
headache,
ataxia,
vertigo,
fatigue,
diplopia,
dizziness,
nausea,
vomiting,
allergic skin reactions,
edema,
fluid retention,
dry mouth,
leucopenia,
eosinophilia.
Rarely, serious hematologic, hepatic, cardiovascular and dermatologic reactions

Warnings and precautions for Epival:

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Epival or any other drugs.
Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other seizure medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), astemizole (Hismanal), clarithromycin (Biaxin), danazol (Danocrine), diltiazem (Cardiazem), doxycycline (Vibramycin), erythromycin, haloperidol (Haldol), isoniazid (INH), lithium, medications for colds or allergies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and fluoxetine (Prozac), oral contraceptives, propoxyphene (Darvon), sedatives such as phenobarbital, terfenadine (Seldane), theophylline (Theo-Dur), verapamil (Calan), and vitamins. Carbamazepine affects the action of other medications, and many medications can affect the action of Epival. Tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you are taking.
do not take Epival liquid at the same time as any other liquid medications.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease; glaucoma; high blood pressure; or a history of blood clots or blood disorders.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Epival, call your doctor immediately. Epival may harm the fetus.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking carbamazepine.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Epival may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What to do if you take Overdose of Epival?

Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

What to do if you take Missed Dose of Epival?

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How to Store Epival:

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.