TEVA CARBAMAZEPINE, 200MG, TABLET

Common uses

This medication is typically used for bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) or for epilepsy. It may also have other uses.

How to use this medication

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first.

It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.

This medication may irritate the stomach, and should be taken with food. It is best to avoid coffee, spicy food or alcohol. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your treatment. Grapefruit can seriously affect how this medication works.

Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. Limit alcohol consumption to occasional small quantities.

Possible side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

• it may cause drowsiness or dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving;
• it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting;
• it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun;
• it may cause weight gain, mostly with prolonged use;
• it may cause blurred vision.

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage information

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.

Nutritional impact

When using this product, even for a short period, you will develop an increased need for certain nutrients. Fortunately, you can easily increase your intake of these nutrients through your diet. The following table shows the nutrients that are mostly affected by your treatment, along with foods that are good sources of these nutrients. For the duration of your treatment, try to eat these foods more often to avoid a deficiency of these nutrients.

Nutrients Suggested foods folic acid green vegetables (e.g., spinach, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, broccoli, avocado, asparagus, green peas), legumes, citrus fruits and their juices, liver, eggs, bananas, melon, folic acid-enriched cereals, brewer's yeast, nuts and seeds vitamin D liver, cod liver oil, enriched milk, eggs, fish (e.g., sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, mackerel) and margarine

Additional information

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

General information

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

• Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
• If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
• If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
• The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.

It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.