There are a huge number of neurological problems that significantly worsen a person’s quality of life. Of course, in such situations, medication is necessary, in the scheme of which the drug Tegretol is often included. Reviews indicate that the drug copes well with the symptoms of neuralgia of various origins.
Of course, people are looking for more information about the medicine. In what cases is it advisable to take Tegretol tablets? Instructions for use, reviews, pharmacological properties - this is important information that is worth exploring. What results can the therapy provide? Does treatment have side effects? These questions are asked by many patients.
Description of the release form. Features of the composition
Many people are prescribed Tegretol. Instructions for use, pharmacological properties, indications, possible complications - this is important information. But first, it's worth exploring the general information.
The drug is available in the form of tablets, packaged in blisters of 10 pieces. The main active ingredient is carbamazepine - one tablet may contain 200 or 400 mg of the substance. In addition, the preparation contains magnesium stearate, colloidal, anhydrous silicon dioxide, sodium carmellose and microcrystalline cellulose.
In the pharmacy you can buy the drug "Tegretol" in the form of a syrup. As before, the main active ingredient is carbamazepine (100 mg of the substance in 5 ml of syrup). Components such as liquid sorbitol, macrogol stearate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, propylene glycol, sodium saccharin, purified water, sorbic acid, methyl parahydroxybenzoate and flavorings are also used in the production. The syrup is packaged in dark glass bottles with a volume of 100 ml.
How does the drug affect the body?
Carbamazepine is a dibenzoazepine derivative. This substance is the main component of the drug Tegretol. Reviews indicate that it has pronounced psychotropic, neurotropic and antiepileptic properties.
Unfortunately, the exact mechanisms of action of carbamazepine remain unexplored to date. It is known that this substance is able to act on the membranes of overexcited neurons, stabilizing them. Thus, the intensity of synaptic transmission of impulses is reduced. It is believed that the drug acts on the sodium channels of neurons, thereby preventing the re-occurrence of sodium-dependent potentials in depodarized neurons.
The drug copes well with epileptic seizures. It also eliminates the symptoms of depressive states, helps to cope with increased anxiety, irritability, and attacks of aggression. During clinical trials, it was also found that taking the drug positively affects a person's ability to remember information and concentrate.
If we are talking about secondary or idiopathic neuralgia, then the drug helps to alleviate the symptoms of a paroxysmal pain attack or prevent its onset. With alcohol withdrawal, this substance raises the threshold of convulsive readiness, thereby helping to cope with tremors, increased irritability, gait disturbances and other symptoms.
Patients with diabetes insipidus noted a decrease in urine output and the disappearance of a feeling of constant thirst during therapy.
The drug also inhibits the metabolism of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps to cope with manic conditions against a background of various mental disorders.
It is worth noting that this tool can be used both independently (monotherapy), and in combination with other drugs.
Pharmacokinetics Information
After administration, the drug is almost completely absorbed by the walls of the digestive tract. The maximum concentration of the main component is observed approximately 12 hours after taking the pill. If we are talking about syrup, then absorption is faster - the maximum concentration is achieved after two hours.
According to the results of clinical trials, eating does not affect the absorption and assimilation of the drug.
Carbamazepine is approximately 70-80% bound to plasma proteins. About 20-30% of the active substance penetrates the saliva and cerebrospinal fluid unchanged. This component of the drug crosses the placental barrier and is excreted along with breast milk.
Carbamazepine is metabolized in the liver cells, forming the transdiol derivative, as well as its conjugate with glucuronic acid. The elimination half-life is 36 hours, if we are talking about a single dose. If the patient takes the drug constantly, then this figure is 16-24 hours.
The main part of carbamazepine and its metabolites is excreted by the kidneys. About 25-30% of these substances leave the body along with feces.
In some cases, doctors prescribe patients taking Tegretol CR tablets. Reviews, as well as the results of laboratory tests, suggest that this form of the drug has a longer effect, which in some cases is simply necessary.
The main indications for therapy
In what cases is it advisable to take Tegretol or Tegretol CR? Instructions for use indicate that the drug is effective in the following cases:
- some forms of epilepsy;
- acute manic disorders;
- alcohol withdrawal syndrome;
- with different forms of bipolar disorder (the drug weakens existing symptoms and prevents the development of certain exacerbations);
- trigeminal neuralgia (lesions can be both associated with the progression of multiple sclerosis and be idiopathic in nature);
- diabetic neuropathies, accompanied by severe pain;
- neuralgia of nerves innervating the glossopharyngeal region (regardless of origin);
- non-insulin-dependent diabetes, the progression of which is accompanied by neurohormonal changes, cerebral disorders.
As you can see, there are a large number of pathologies in which the use of Tegretol is effective. Doctors' reviews indicate that the medicine really helps to cope with the symptoms. However, in most of the above cases, complex therapy is required.
The medicine "Tegretol": instructions for use
Of course, in no case should you use such means without permission. If we are talking about tablets, then they are taken regardless of the meal, washed down with a small amount of water. Enough part of the patient after a few days is transferred to the reception of tablets "Tegretol CR", which provide a prolonged effect.
As for the syrup, it must be shaken before taking. This form of medication is prescribed if, for one reason or another, the patient cannot swallow the pill. For example, doctors often recommend taking Tegretol syrup for children. Reviews indicate that you need to start therapy with a minimum dose, gradually increasing it.
The regimen, of course, depends on the form and stage of development of the disease.
- If we are talking about epilepsy, then adult patients take 100-200 mg of carbamazepine 1-2 times a day. The dose is gradually increased to 400 mg 2-3 times a day. Children under 4 years old take 20-60 mg per day.
- With trigeminal neuralgia, patients first take 200-400 mg per day. In the future, the daily dose is increased to 600-800 mg.
- Patients in the state of alcohol withdrawal take 200 mg of carbamazepine three times a day.
- In order to relieve the pain associated with the progression of diabetic neuropathy, patients take 400-800 mg per day (you need to divide into 2-4 doses).
- With bipolar disorders and manic conditions, doctors recommend taking 400-600 mg of the drug per day (divided into 2-3 doses).
Are there any restrictions on treatment?
In many cases, doctors prescribe Tegretol or Tegretol CR drugs to patients. The instruction, however, contains information about contraindications. You should definitely familiarize yourself with their list before starting therapy. The drug is not prescribed:
- in the presence of hypersensitivity to carbamazepine or any other constituent substances of the drug (their list should be studied before taking);
- children under one year old;
- with some violations in the processes of blood formation;
- with thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, various forms of anemia;
- with various diseases of the thyroid gland, in particular with hypothyroidism;
- with various forms of renal failure;
- in the event that the patient takes MAO inhibitors;
- in some forms of porphyria;
- with glaucoma and increased intraocular pressure;
- with alcoholism (taking pills in this case only further inhibits the functioning of the central nervous system);
- with insufficiency of the adrenal cortex.
Pregnancy is considered a relative contraindication. There is a likelihood of teratogenic effects, therefore, expectant mothers are prescribed a medicine only if the benefit to the patient's body exceeds the potential risks. If there is a need to take medication during lactation, then women are advised to temporarily stop breastfeeding.
It is important to inform your doctor of all existing medical conditions. Also, in no case during treatment should you use any medications without the knowledge of a specialist, since some drugs may interact with carbamazepine, leading to the development of certain complications.
Adverse Event Information
Is Tegretol Medication Safe? Instructions for use and reviews of doctors confirm that in some cases, therapy is accompanied by complications. The list of possible side effects is quite impressive:
- Some patients complain of dizziness, severe weakness, drowsiness, headaches.
- There may be problems with vision, in particular oculomotor disturbances, increased intraocular pressure, conjunctivitis, and clouding of the lens.
- Sometimes there are reactions from the digestive system. Patients complain of nausea, a constant feeling of dry mouth. In some cases, therapy is associated with abdominal pain, stool disorders. It is extremely rare that stomatitis, glossitis, and pancreatitis develop along with taking the drug.
- There is a likelihood of complications from the cardiovascular system, in particular, a decrease or increase in blood pressure, thrombophlebitis, bradycardia, a complication of existing chronic heart failure.
- Various allergic reactions are possible - from redness of the skin and the appearance of rashes (urticaria) to multi-organ disorders and anaphylactic shock.
- In some patients, a malfunction of the central nervous system was observed, which was accompanied by the appearance of tremor, impaired speech, the development of neuritis, myasthenia gravis, and paresis.
- Mental disorders are also possible. Some patients complain of causeless anxiety, unexplained agitation and aggression, visual and auditory hallucinations, and depressive states.
- The list of complications includes an increase in body weight, a strong fluid retention in the body, pronounced edema, which is associated with a hormonal imbalance, in particular, a change in the level of thyroid hormones.
- Sometimes there is a violation of auditory, taste and visual perception.
- It is possible to delay or, conversely, rapid urination, the development of nephritis, various disorders of the kidneys up to the development of renal failure.
That is why in no case should you arbitrarily take the drug "Tegretol". Doctors' reviews indicate that, with the right dosage, therapy is well tolerated by patients. Despite a very impressive list of adverse reactions, in fact such cases are rarely recorded and, as a rule, are associated with a violation of the dosage or dosage regimen.
In any case, if any worsening or alarming symptoms appear, you need to consult a specialist - the doctor will be able to adjust the dose or schedule of admission, and if necessary, choose a substitute.
How much is the drug?
Many people are faced with the need to take Tegretol. Instructions, reviews, indications and contraindications are interesting information. But for many patients, the cost of the drug is no less important.
Of course, it is impossible to indicate the exact price, because much depends on the manufacturer, place of purchase, dose of the active component and other factors. A package of fifty tablets will cost about 350-400 rubles. It is worth noting that many analogues of this drug are much more expensive.
The list of effective analogues
We have already reviewed the instructions for use of Tegretol. Analogues of this drug exist, and their choice in the modern pharmacological market is quite large. Approximately the same properties are possessed by the preparations “Karbadak”, “Zagretol”, “Karbapin”. Sometimes patients are prescribed medications such as Actinerval, Zeptol, Timonil, Finlepsin. Tegretol can be replaced with Gen-Karpaz, Finlepsol, Umitol.
Of course, it is impossible to use such means without permission, in any case, since therapy involves a lot of risks and should be carried out under the watchful supervision of a specialist. Only a doctor, after compiling a complete medical history and thorough diagnosis, can choose a substitute.
The drug "Tegretol": reviews of doctors and patients
We have already reviewed the basic information about this drug. How effective can the therapy under consideration be? In fact, the tool really helps. The most pronounced effect of "Tegretol" in trigeminal neuralgia. Reviews confirm that the drug significantly improves well-being and quickly relieves pain, even after the first dose.
The medicine copes with epileptic seizures, helps maintain the patient’s emotional state with various mental disorders. The drug has not so many contraindications, and adverse reactions are recorded relatively rarely. The undoubted advantages of the tool include its affordable cost, because most of the analogues are much more expensive.
Of course, it is impossible to use the drug without permission in any case - only a doctor will be able to draw up a competent, effective treatment regimen.