Carbamazepine is prescribed to help individuals managing epilepsy control seizures. It is also commonly prescribed as an extended-release capsule for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Seizures are uncontrollable electrical disruptions in the brain that occur suddenly. A seizure can alter your behavior, movements, and awareness. Suffering two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart is known as epilepsy. Seizure types vary drastically in their range of symptoms and severity. On average, a seizure lasts from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that affects the trigeminal nerve (the nerve that carries sensation from the face to the brain). This condition causes pain that starts from the top of the ear towards the eye, cheek, and jaw. Injury, trauma, or brain conditions are the most common causes of trigeminal neuralgia.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes periods of mood swings that range from depression to manic highs. Carbamazepine specifically helps manage periods of mania, which can be characterized as episodes of a frenzied, hyperactive, or irritated mood. Mania is commonly followed by depressive episodes that can intense feelings of sadness, isolation, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.