Carbamazepine anticonvulsant pills, which we will review today, were synthesized almost half a century ago. And although a considerable number of more modern effective drugs have been introduced into medical practice since then, which, moreover, have fewer side effects, this remedy remains very popular among doctors and patients.
In what cases is the drug "carbamazepine" used
These tablets are an excellent anticonvulsant and analgesic drug that is used:
- as the main tool for the treatment of epilepsy with different types of seizures;
- with manic syndromes in acute form;
- to prevent deterioration in the phases of affective disorders, as well as to alleviate the condition of the patient at the time of exacerbation;
- with pain accompanied by diabetic neuropathy;
- to facilitate the well-being of patients with trigeminal neuralgia;
- as well as with alcohol withdrawal, expressed by nervousness, sleep disturbances and convulsive conditions.
In addition, according to experts who left their reviews, “Carbamazepine” has been successfully used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia, in an aggressive state, panic attacks, as well as in organic changes in brain tissues. True, it must be borne in mind that the effectiveness of the drug in these cases is based only on clinical experience, since laboratory protocol studies have not been conducted.
Why are carbamazepine tablets useful for patients with epilepsy?
In patients with epilepsy, this agent increases the reduced threshold of convulsive readiness and thereby reduces the risk of a new attack. The drug has also proven itself to correct personality changes (as a result of use, sociability improves and social rehabilitation of such patients is facilitated).
In patients in adolescence and children, the use of the drug reduces depression, uncertainty, nervousness and aggressiveness. But it must be borne in mind that the effect of the drug on cognitive functions (state of memory, coordination of movements, attention, speech, thinking ability, orientation, etc.) can vary depending on the dosage, and at the same time very individually!
True, some patients, leaving their reviews, “Carbamazepine” referred to as a drug that has poor effectiveness as a means to combat depression or in situations with mental problems. By the way, they also suggest that the constant use of this drug implies the obligatory observation by a doctor and the periodic examination and analysis.
Mandatory rules for the use of the drug
Yes, we must agree that this medicine has a rather complex effect on the human body. That is why before using it, a mandatory consultation of a specialist is necessary.
When using carbamazepine tablets, it is important to remember the following rules.
- Patients best tolerate treatment with this drug with careful observance of the regimen and all the recommendations of the attending physician, in other cases, the drug can cause many undesirable effects.
- Before treatment, as a rule, the patient’s liver condition is examined (especially if he is of advanced age or has a disease of this organ). If deterioration occurs while taking the drug, then they should immediately stop treatment.
- Particular attention is paid to the state of intraocular pressure in patients treated with carbamazepine tablets. The reviews of doctors prescribing this medicine indicate that its use can stimulate increased secretion of intraocular fluid, which, in turn, is a risk of impaired visual function of the eye.
Analogues of the drug
Carbamazepine tablets have similar action drugs. These include Zagretol, Carbalepsin Retard, Karbapin, Mazepin, Stazepin, Tegretol, Finlepsin, Carbamazepine Nycomed, and Carbamazepine Acre. Reviews of doctors and patients about their use and effects on the body are similar to those indicated in the antotation to the described drug.
How is the drug used?
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Carbamazepine tablets are used orally before or after meals. It is permissible to use the medicine while eating, while it should be washed down with water.
For patients with epilepsy, if possible, it is undesirable to combine this drug with others.
In the early days, the use of "Carbamazepine" occurs in a minimal amount, in the future its dose is increased to the level at which the desired result is achieved. The same tactics are used when introducing the drug into the initiated treatment regimen by other means. Note that initially the amount of previously used drugs is not reduced.
The exact dosage of the drug
- Children from four years of age are prescribed a drug in an amount of 20 mg to 60 mg per day, adding 20-60 mg every two days, if necessary.
- Patients in adulthood - from 100 to 200 mg once or twice a day, increasing, if necessary, the amount to 400 mg two to three times a day (dose should not exceed 2 g).
- When trigeminal neuralgia is prescribed from 200 mg / day. from the beginning of treatment, gradually increasing to the maximum amount - 400-800 mg per day, until the pain ceases, then the dose is reduced.
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is treated with an average dose of 200 mg 3 times a day, and in especially severe cases it is increased to 400 mg. At the beginning of treatment, the drug is combined with sedative-hypnotic drugs.
- Acute manic conditions require an average daily dose of 400 to 1600 mg in two or three doses. Moreover, the dose is increased rapidly.
How does an overdose of the drug manifest
Brain dysfunctions are possible, which are expressed in loss of orientation, impaired coordination of movements (the so-called ataxia), lethargy, drowsiness, or hyperactivity, the appearance of hallucinations, falling into unconsciousness, and to whom. Studies conducted by experts confirm that an overdose primarily affects the cardiovascular, central nervous and respiratory systems of the body. As the reviews left by the doctors confirm, "Carbamazepine" in case of an overdose can be very dangerous!
- An overdose affects the work of the organs of vision (the patient sees a "veil" before his eyes), he has nystagmus (rapid arrhythmic movement of the eyeballs), as well as the expansion of the pupils.
- Speech disorders, psychomotor disorders, myoclonus (sudden muscle twitching) are noted.
- On the part of the cardiovascular system, tachycardia, a strong decrease or increase in blood pressure and even cardiac arrest are possible.
If an overdose is suspected, gastric lavage and the use of activated charcoal are necessary. Hospitalization of patients and further symptomatic treatment are recommended.
The drug "Carbamazepine": side effects
Once again, it should be noted that the drug should be administered only under the supervision of a doctor and at the doses indicated by him. Do not at your discretion change the number of tablets taken, and if side effects occur, be sure to contact a specialist to clarify the treatment regimen.
Undesirable manifestations can be expressed in the form of dizziness, drowsiness, feelings of constant fatigue, headache, tremor, taste disturbances, depressive states and aggressive behavior. Possible nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth.
With intolerance to the components of the drug, allergic reactions are observed.
As a result of taking this drug, manifestations of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were also noted, folic acid deficiency, edema, weight gain, fluid retention and hyponatremia (a decrease in the concentration of sodium ions in the blood) can be observed.
Who is contraindicated for carbamazepine tablets
The drug, despite a long list of side effects, is generally well tolerated. And the patient’s well-being often changes for the better when the dose is reduced or the regimen is changed. This is evidenced by numerous reviews.
"Carbamazepine" as a therapeutic agent is contraindicated in a small group of patients.
- These include patients with atrioventricular block (impaired transmission of a nerve impulse in the cardiovascular system), as well as with oppressed bone marrow hematopoiesis.
- The drug is not used for hepatic porphyria.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding is canceled.
- It is forbidden to take this medication together with MAO inhibitors and for two weeks after their withdrawal.
The interaction of the drug with other agents
Before starting treatment, do not forget to tell your doctor what drugs you are taking at the moment. Because the simultaneous use of drugs such as Diltiazem, Fluoxetine, Isoniazid, Erythromycin, Nicotinamide, etc. can increase the risk of overdose.
Also, do not use hormonal contraceptives during treatment, since there is a high risk of uterine bleeding.
Alcohol enhances the inhibitory effect of the drug on the nervous system.