Tegretol /CR is indicated for:
Epilepsy: Partial (simple and complex) seizures, generalized tonic-clonic, and mixed seizure types
Trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Acute mania and maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Also used off-label for diabetic neuropathic pain and central diabetes insipidus
Dosage:
Start with 100–200 /mg once or twice daily, increasing gradually based on clinical response; plasma levels (4–12 /µg/mL) help guide dosing in epilepsy
Administration:
Take orally, using a glass of water, with, after, or between meals.
Do not crush or chew the tablet; swallow it whole (or half, as scored) to preserve controlled-release properties
Dosing Interval:
Due to CR formulation, typically administered twice daily for consistent plasma levels
Missed Dose:
Take as soon as remembered unless close to the next dose; do not double up
Monitoring & Precautions:
Regularly monitor CBC, liver/kidney function, and plasma levels.
Screen patients of Asian descent for HLA B*1502 due to higher risk of Stevens–Johnson syndrome
Avoid abrupt withdrawal to prevent seizure recurrence
Side Effects (not exhaustive): Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, hyponatremia, serious skin reactions, blood dyscrasias
Malaysia
