Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking Tegretol as follows:
- Tegretol intake, especially on empty stomach, can result in symptoms of stomach upset, such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking Tegretol after having a meal or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Tegretol use can result in episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, light-headedness, and sleep. Do not take Tegretol with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by Tegretol, 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 Tegretol and so, must be avoided taking along with Tegretol. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by Tegretol intake.
- Tegretol 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 Tegretol and plan of care. This can help with better management of your condition and avoid risk for worsening of behavioral and mood disorders.
