Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking Carbamazepine as follows:
- Carbamazepine intake, especially on empty stomach, can result in symptoms of stomach upset, such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking carbamazepine after having a meal or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Carbamazepine use can result in episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, light-headedness, and sleep. Do not take carbamazepine with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by carbamazepine, and contribute to falls and accidents. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by carbamazepine and so, must be avoided taking along with carbamazepine. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by carbamazepine intake.
- Carbamazepine use, especially in individuals with history of mood disorders, can result in worsening of anxiety and depressive symptoms, changes in behavior, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. Closely watching for the therapeutic response and developing side-effects, with timely reporting the findings to the physician, can allow appropriate changes in the dose of carbamazepine and plan of care. This can help with better management of your condition and avoid risk for worsening of behavioral and mood disorders.
