What is carbamazepine and what is it for?

What is carbamazepine?

Carbamazepine is a drug that is used as a treatment to controlseizures in epileptic patients, in addition to episodes of mania and bipolar disorder, since thanks to its nature it allows to control the electrical activity of thebrain.

Note: Among its presentations are tablets,capsules and suspension, with prolonged action or not. It is recommended to consume it before meals, and that it be at the same time every day.

It is important to mention that the nature of this drug allows its use as a mood controller, which although it has analgesic propertiesshould not be prescribed for trivial cases.

On the other hand, the initial dose is between 100 and 200 mg daily, divided into twice a day and can be gradually increased if necessaryto 1600 mgin three divided doses.

What is carbamazepine for?

Carbamazepine is used for different conditions, mainly with complex and recurrent symptoms. We mention and explain below several of the cases in which it is indicated:

1. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder of the Central Nervous System (CNS), where seizures occur due to brief changes in brain activity .

To highlight: There are isolated studies in epileptic patients, which have shown improvement after the application of treatments with carbamazepine  in cases of teratogenic nature (congenital defects). (1)

2. Mania and manic-depressive disorders

Thanks to its stabilizing capacity in the brain, carbamazepine is used to control mania and manic-depressive disorders.

You should know: Carbamazepine reduces the symptoms and triggers that cause this type of disorder, as well as increasing energy and cells that allow patients to be motivated. (two)

3. Trigeminal neuralgia

The treatment that is usually indicated in this case is approximately 200 to 400 mg of carbamazepine daily, which is gradually increased until the symptoms and pain disappear.

Note: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorderwith facial sensation. In this sense, carbamazepine has proven to beEffective for treatment . (3)

4. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Studies have shown the effectiveness of carbamazepine for Alcohol withdrawal syndrome , being even more convenient than benzodiazepines , especially since in these cases the side effects are reduced. (4)

side effects of carbamazepine

The side effects that carbamazepine may present will be mentioned below for your contemplation and knowledge:

• Dizziness and vomiting.
• Difficulty speaking and incoherent thoughts.
• Uncontrollable tremors.
• Constipation and dry mouth.

Important: In the event of presenting any of the aforementioned side effects, it is important to stop taking carbamazepine and Seek Medical Assistance .

contraindications of carbamazepine

Like any medicine, there are contraindicationsfor the consumption of carbamazepine. We mention them below for your identification:

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or related medications, such as some types of antidepressants.
• Its use is not recommended in patients with a history of bone marrow depression.
• It should not be administered to patients with hepatic insufficiency.
• It should not be administered in case of suspected pregnancy or in the lactation period.
• Its use is not recommended in patients with glaucoma, arrhythmias or heart failure.

You should know: It is important to notify your doctor of any of the aforementioned conditions, which will greatly avoid suffering from adverse reactions due to the consumption of carbamazepine.

Key Findings

• Carbamazepine is a drug indicated mainly for patients with epilepsy and bipolar disorders.
• Its use in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome is due to a much more convenient effect than the application of benzodiazepines.
• The dose of this medicine can reach 1600 mg depending on the case, divided into three divided doses.
• It should not be used as an analgesic in trivial cases and should always be prescribed under medical supervision.