Carbamazepine is a prescription medication that is used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. It may also be prescribed as a treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (a condition that causes facial pain) and mania symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.

Carbamazepine is not a cure for epilepsy or bipolar disorder. Instead, it helps manage symptoms caused by these two conditions. This medication may be supplemented with other forms of therapy to control mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. It is not prescribed as a treatment for other mood disorders such as anxiety, and major depressive disorder.

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.

Carbamazepine is classified as an anticonvulsant medication. This particular medication works by reducing certain synaptic responses in the brain – which can help control seizures, facial nerve pain, and bipolar disorder.

Carbamazepine’s mechanism of action on trigeminal neuralgia is not known, although it has been shown to reduce symptoms of facial pain.

Carbamazepine has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects become severe or do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects include:

• Blurred vision
  
• Uncontrollable shaking in different parts of the body
  
• Behavioral changes
  
• Constipation
  
• Dry mouth
  

Anticonvulsant medication, such as carbamazepine, may change mental health conditions (such as mood and behavior) in unexpected ways. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or other sudden changes in your mental health. Before starting treatment with carbamazepine, or any other anticonvulsant, discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or 911.

Talk to your health care provider about any medication you are currently taking, or any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with before starting treatment with carbamazepine. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before taking carbamazepine.

Carbamazepine is commonly administered as an extended-release tablet or capsule, or as a suspension (liquid). Take carbamazepine with meals to avoid nausea.

For epilepsy: The initial dose of carbamazepine for adults starts at 200 mg to be taken twice a day. If supplied as an oral liquid, take 1 teaspoon of medication four times a day. This dosage may be increased as needed.

For bipolar disorder: The initial dose of carbamazepine for adults starts at 200 mg to be taken twice a day. If supplied as an oral liquid, take 1 teaspoon of medication four times a day. This dosage may be increased as needed.

For trigeminal neuralgia: The initial dose of carbamazepine for adults starts at 200 mg to be taken once a day. If supplied as an oral liquid, take 1/2 teaspoon of medication four times a day. This dosage may be increased as needed.

Do not discontinue the use of carbamazepine unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Additionally, do not increase your daily dosage of carbamazepine unless given a specific order by your doctor. Follow the full course of treatment and take the medication exactly as prescribed.

Carbamazepine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not carbamazepine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for carbamazepine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.