FDA approved Tegretol (carbamazepine) for Epilepsy and Trigeminal NeuralgiaFDA approved Tegretol to treat epilepsy and nerve pain

Not reported in label.

Tegretol is indicated for use as an anticonvulsant drug in epilepsy, specifically for partial seizures with complex symptomatology (psychomotor, temporal lobe), generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal), and mixed seizure patterns. It is also indicated for the treatment of pain associated with true trigeminal neuralgia. Absence seizures (petit mal) are not controlled by Tegretol.

Dosage should be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. A low initial daily dosage with gradual increase is advised. Medication should be taken with meals. For epilepsy in adults and children over 12 years: initial 200 mg twice a day (tablets or XR) or 1 teaspoon four times a day (suspension) (400 mg/day), increase weekly by up to 200 mg/day. Maintenance: 800-1200 mg daily. For children 6-12 years: initial 100 mg twice a day or ½ teaspoon four times a day (200 mg/day), increase weekly by up to 100 mg/day. Maintenance: 400-800 mg daily. For children under 6 years: initial 10-20 mg/kg/day, increase weekly. For trigeminal neuralgia: initial 100 mg twice a day or ½ teaspoon four times a day (200 mg/day), increase by up to 200 mg/day as needed. Maintenance: 400-800 mg daily. Do not exceed 1200 mg daily. Tegretol-XR tablets must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed. Tegretol suspension should not be administered simultaneously with other liquid medications or diluents.

Trial data not available in label.

Not reported in label.

Tegretol is indicated for specific seizure types and trigeminal neuralgia. It should not be used for absence seizures. The drug is not a simple analgesic and should not be used for trivial aches or pains. Monitoring of blood levels is recommended to enhance efficacy and safety.