Carbamazepine

Anti-epileptic and nerve pain
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Carbamazepine is a anti-epileptic and nerve pain found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Tegretol 200. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Prevents seizures and treats trigeminal neuralgia; also bipolar disorder.

How it works

An anti-epileptic for focal seizures and the first-choice medicine for trigeminal neuralgia; also a mood stabiliser.

How to take it

Usually twice a day, increased slowly; slow-release forms swallowed whole. Blood tests are checked.

Common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Double vision
  • Low sodium

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe rash with blisters, fever or mouth sores (higher risk in people of Asian origin with the HLA-B*1502 gene)
  • Sore throat or bruising
  • Confusion

Be careful

Report rash at once; many drug interactions.

Other medicines and interactions

Strongly lowers levels of many medicines, including hormonal contraceptives, warfarin and some antidepressants. Clarithromycin and grapefruit raise its level.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Plan pregnancy with your neurologist and take folic acid; some anti-epileptics carry higher birth-defect risks. Never stop suddenly. Ask about breastfeeding.

Brands of Carbamazepine (1)

Tegretol 200

Common questions

What is Carbamazepine used for?

Prevents seizures and treats trigeminal neuralgia; also bipolar disorder.

How does Carbamazepine work?

An anti-epileptic for focal seizures and the first-choice medicine for trigeminal neuralgia; also a mood stabiliser.

How should I take Carbamazepine?

Usually twice a day, increased slowly; slow-release forms swallowed whole. Blood tests are checked.

What are the side effects of Carbamazepine?

Common: Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, double vision, low sodium. Get help straight away for: Severe rash with blisters, fever or mouth sores (higher risk in people of Asian origin with the HLA-B*1502 gene), sore throat or bruising, confusion.

Does Carbamazepine interact with other medicines?

Strongly lowers levels of many medicines, including hormonal contraceptives, warfarin and some antidepressants. Clarithromycin and grapefruit raise its level.

Is Carbamazepine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Plan pregnancy with your neurologist and take folic acid; some anti-epileptics carry higher birth-defect risks. Never stop suddenly. Ask about breastfeeding.

Does Carbamazepine need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Carbamazepine?

Tegretol 200.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.