Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing electrical activities in nerves and the brain and is a common treatment for epilepsy. Before using Carbamazepine, people of Han Chinese and South Asian Indian ancestry should consider genetic screening for HLA-B*1502 allele to assess if they are at higher risk of a severe allergic skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
Carbamazepine is also used to treat the following conditions:
Carbamazepine is available as tablets and syrups.
The usual adult starting dose of Carbamazepine is 200-400 mg per day. Regular release Carbamazepine can be given two, three, or four times per day. Your doctor will gradually increase your dose based on your response. If you experience side effects 2 to 4 hours after dosing with the regular release products, your doctor may switch you to extended release tablets (Tegretol CR) which are taken twice daily.
Common dosing schedule:
Take Carbamazepine with food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Carbamazepine may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Carbamazepine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Carbamazepine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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