Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is an epilepsy medicine. It is also used for a type of facial nerve pain called trigeminal neuralgia, and sometimes for bipolar disorder.

Type of medicine

Anticonvulsant (epilepsy medicine)

Also known as

Tegretol, Carbagen

Comes as

tablets, modified-release tablets, liquid, suppositories

How you get it

Prescription only

What it is used for

Epilepsy, especially focal seizures
Trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial nerve pain)
Preventing mood episodes in bipolar disorder that has not responded to lithium

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Other types of nerve pain
Helping with alcohol withdrawal (now rarely used)

How it works

Carbamazepine calms overactive nerve signals in the brain by blocking sodium channels on nerve cells. This makes seizures less likely and reduces nerve pain.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Carbamazepine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling dizzy
sleepy or unsteady
double or blurred vision
feeling sick
dry mouth
headache
low sodium levels

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

a skin rash, especially with blisters, peeling, mouth ulcers or a high temperature. Get help straight away
unusual bruising or bleeding, sore throat or high temperature
yellowing of the skin or eyes
confusion, drowsiness or fits, which can be signs of low sodium
thoughts of harming yourself

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

It can harm an unborn baby. If you could get pregnant, talk to your doctor about contraception and pregnancy plans.
It makes hormonal contraception, including the pill, less effective.
It interacts with many medicines. Always check with a pharmacist.
People of Han Chinese, Thai or other South East Asian heritage may need a genetic test before starting.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.