Versitol Retard 300 Tablet (Carbamazepine 300mg)

INTRODUCTION

VERSITOL RETARD contains carbamazepine which belongs to the group of medicines called anti-convulsants. It is used to treat certain forms of epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia (painful condition of face). It can also be used to control bipolar disorder if other medicines are not effective. Carbamazepine treats seizure and symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia by inhibiting voltage-dependent sodium channels and preventing action potentials. It is capable of decreasing mania symptoms in bipolar disorder by increasing dopamine turnover and increase GABA transmission.

Prior to the treatment, your doctor may want you to have a several blood tests to find your condition. Inform your doctor, if you have ever had problems with your bone marrow, porphyria or glaucoma before taking this medicine. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision and fluid retention. Avoid drinking alcohol or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it may increase your chance of experiencing side effects. VERSITOL RETARD should be used with caution in pregnant, breastfeeding and in elderly patients.

USES OF VERSITOL RETARD
Treats epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia
Controls bipolar disorders if other medicines are not effective

HOW VERSITOL RETARD WORKS

Carbamazepine inhibits and prolongs the inactivation of voltage-dependent sodium channels at the synapse by lowering polysynaptic nerve response and inhibiting post-tetanic potentiation. Blockade of sodium channels, decreases the abnormal excitability of neurons and therefore controls seizures.

It acts as a specific analgesic for trigeminal neuralgia, by inhibiting lingual mandibular reflex and by reducing pain caused by stimulation of nerves in the face. It decreases mania symptoms in bipolar disorder by increasing dopamine turnover and GABA transmission.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take this medicine as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VERSITOL RETARD

SERIOUS
Allergic reactions (such as rash, blistering of lips, eyes or mouth or skin peeling with fever)
Sore mouth or throat, fever
Jaundice (yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes)
Muscle pain or joint pain
Breathing problems
Pain in area near stomach
COMMON
Feeling or being sick
Dizziness
Lack of coordination
Bruising or bleeding
Fluid retention and swelling
Confusion
Headache
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
RARE
Hallucinations, depression, aggression
Speech disorders
High or low blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Loss of appetite

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Feeling sick or being sick:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meal. Stick to simple meals.

Headache:

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
VERSITOL RETARD should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING
VERSITOL RETARD should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines, because this medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy or may cause blurred vision.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
VERSITOL RETARD should be taken with caution in patients with kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
VERSITOL RETARD should be taken with caution in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to carbamazepine or any other similar ingredients like oxcarbazepine, amitriptyline or imipramine.

HEART DISEASE
VERSITOL RETARD should be taken with caution in patients with heart disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor, if you have:

Any eye problems such as glaucoma (increased pressure in eye) or any other mental illness
Ever had problems with your bone marrow or porphyria (an inherited blood disorder)

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Medicines used to relieve pain and inflammation
Medicines used to treat fungal infections (fluconazole, voriconazole)
Medicines used to treat HIV (e.g. adenofovir, tenofovir)
Medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems (propranolol, captopril, digoxin, diltiazem)
Medicines to treat allergy such as hay fever or itching (e.g. fluticastone, mometasone)
Medicine which reduces nausea or vomiting (e.g. metoclopramide or aprepitant)
Medicines to treat stomach ulcers (cimetidine or omeprazole)
Medicines used to treat asthma (e.g. theophylline or aminophylline)
Medicines used to treat mental illnesses
Other medicines to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin)
Medicines to avoid graft rejection (e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
Isotretinoin (used to treat acne)
Acetazolamide (used to treat glaucoma)
Danazol or gestrinone (used to treat endometriosis)
Cancer drugs (e.g. temsirolimus, cyclophasphamide, lapatinib)
Mefloquine (used to treat malaria)
Levothyroxine (used to treat hypothyroidism)
Tadalafil (used to treat impotence)
Albendazole (used to treat worms)
Bupropion (used to help stop smoking)
Supplements containing Vitamin B (nicotinamide)