Tegretol (Carbamazepine) Canada
Description
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease that requires long-term, and in 30% of cases, permanent administration of antiepileptic drugs. The goal of such treatment is to prevent the development of epilepsy seizures. To achieve decent results, a range of modern antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is applied, and Tegretol finds itself among the most efficient remedies that makes a solid contribution in comprehensive rehabilitation that enables people with epilepsy to live full, productive lives in the absence of seizures and undesired side effects.
Tegretol pharmacological action
Tegretol is an anticonvulsant agent used in epilepsy cases; the drug has strong psychoactive effect, which manifests itself in enlightenment of epileptic personality changes, improving of communication skills of patients, which naturally contributes to their social rehabilitation. Analgesic effect in trigeminal neuralgia prevents the appearance of paroxysmal pain. In diabetes insipidus the treatment course leads to the normalization of water balance.
Tegretol indications for use
The preparation is prescribed in case of epilepsy (mixed forms of epilepsy, focal epilepsy, mild and abrupt seizures), essential trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis, essential glossofaringealnaya neuralgia; abstinence syndrome; diabetes insipidus; diabetic neuropathy, accompanied by pain sensations.
In the process of clinical study it was found that the preventive effect of carbamazepine, Tegretol’s main active ingredient, therapy in varying degrees, was positive in 89.7% of patients, while 46.1% have managed to achieve a complete reduction of the attacks. In the course of preventive therapy the tendency of the ailment manifestation was subjected to a large extent of reduction: the total duration of the periods of the disease was reduced by 66%, the overall frequency of attacks decreased by 89%, their average duration equaled 45%, the frequency and duration of hospitalizations decreased by 65% and 75% respectively.
Tegretol dosage and precautions
Tegretol treatment must begin in low doses and set individually for each patient, depending on the nature and severity of the clinical picture. Then the dose is slowly increased to achieve the most effective maintenance dose. The optimum dose for the patient, especially in combination therapy, is determined by medication’s concentration level in blood plasma. Therapeutic concentration equals 4 to 12 mg/ml, as evidenced by the experience. Replacing Tegretol with other antiepileptic remedies should be made gradually, reducing the dose of the drug that has been used before. If possible, a single antiepileptic drug monotherapy should be used. A common dosage ranges within 400-1200 mg daily, divided into 1-2 single doses. Exceeding a total daily dose, which is 1200 mg will not enhance the effect and must be avoided.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1600 mg, because higher doses can increase the number of adverse reactions. In some cases where extensive treatment is needed, the dose may significantly increased in comparison with the recommended initial and maintenance doses (e.g., due to rapid metabolism, induction of microsomal liver enzymes or caused by the interaction of drugs in combination therapy). Tegretol precautions
In the presence of bone marrow, disorders of conduction of excitation in the heart (atrioventricular block), hypersensitivity to the active substance, tricyclic antidepressants, or to one of the components of the drug, as well as in case of acute intermittent porphyria (defined hereditary defect in the metabolism of porphyrin) the medication should be used cautiously. The course of medication should only be administered after the consultation with a doctor.