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