Medicine: Atretol Drug (Medication) Information -

Atretol Drug (Medication) Information

Medicine:

What is Atretol and for what Atretol is used?

Atretol is an "extended-release" form of carbamazepine, which means that the medicine is released into the body slowly instead of all at once. Atretol is used to aid in the treatment of epilepsy. TEGRETOL is another name for it.

Atretol is used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Atretol medications is not for common aches and pains.

How to Take Atretol

Take Atretol exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Atretol is available in CAPSULE form. Take this medicine after food. Do not stop Atretol medication without the advice of your doctor; doing so may result in an increase in seizures. The Tegretol, Tegretol XR, and Epitol brands of Atretol should be taken with food. The Atretol brand of Atretol may be taken with or without food.

What are the Side Effects of Atretol -

Like other medicines, Atretol can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Atretol include

* mouth ulcers
* pain or difficulty passing urine
* redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
* ringing in the ears
* seizures (convulsions)
* shortness of breath, wheezing
* skin rash, hives, itching
* sore throat
* Sleepiness/drowsiness
* Coordination difficulties
* Rash or other allergic reaction (swollen glands, fever, sore throat).
* Weakness of the bones (osteopenia)
* stomach pain
* swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains
* unusual bleeding or bruising
* unusual swelling
* vomiting

Some other side effects of Atretol are as:

* Liver problems
* Blood problems
* Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Atretol intraction with other drugs:

Atretol is metabolized in the liver and interacts with several other epilepsy drugs and other medications, such as warfarin, theophyline, and doxycycline. It may reduce the effectiveness of other antiepileptic drugs which are also processed through the liver and with the effectiveness of birth control pills at standard doses. Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs.

Warnings and precautions before taking Atretol :

* If you are taking carbamazepine for epilepsy (seizures) do not stop taking it suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.
* Atretol capsule must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harmful side effects to the unborn child. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
* Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications along with Atretol.
* Breast Feeding - Mothers who are taking Atretol and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
* Do not drink alcohol while taking Atretol. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by Atretol. It may also increase the risk of seizures.
* The safety and efficay of this medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents, hence it is not recommended for use in these age groups.

What if Overdose of Atretol ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Atretol, immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention.

What if Missed Dose of Atretol?

If you miss a dose of Atretol medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Atretol:

Store Atretol capsules at room temperature (below 77F) and protect them from light and moisture. Keep the medication away from the children.

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