I've never taken the drug, so I have know personal
insights about it. I checked it at WorstPills.org,and
found lots of information. It looks like a very potent
drug that is approved for use in Epilepsy (not
depression) and trigeminal neuralgia. I wonder if it
is in the same chemical family as the old tricyclic
anti-depressants & that is why he said it was an
anti-depressant.

There has been a big trend of giving chronic pain
patients seizure drugs in hopes that it will "manage"
the pain. It all started with the false marketing
information the maker of Neurontin (gabapentin)
flooded the medical establishment with. It has now
become an article of faith among doctors that seizure
drugs will "work" on chronic pain, even though there
is none to little evidence to support the idea. I've
seen patients on Neurontin for years even though they
tell their doctors the drug isn't working, because the
doctors have been trained to give a higher dose of the
drug instead of discontinuing the drug when it doesn't
work. It was an absolutely brilliant marketing
strategy that ill served the patient.

But back to carbamazepine.

Avoid grapefruit, pomelos, Seville oranges & Bitter
Orange because they contain compounds that inhibit
drug-metabolizing intestinal enzymes.

"If you are over 60, you will generally need to take
less than the usual adult dose. Ask your doctor about
starting with a daily dose of 50 milligrams to prevent
harmful adverse effects, especially mental confusion
and slowed pulse. Call your doctor if either of these
adverse effects occurs. If you are taking
carbamazepine for neuralgia, your doctor should try
reducing your dose every few months to see if a
smaller dose will relieve your symptoms.

Carbamazepine can cause serious, and sometimes fatal,
blood cell abnormalities in some people. These
disorders can usually be treated if detected early. If
you are taking carbamazepine and have any of the
following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
fever and sore throat, ulcers in the mouth, easy
bruising, or skin rashes.2 Before you start using
carbamazepine, you should have a complete blood count
to be certain that you don’t have any potential blood
abnormalities that could be worsened by the drug"

"Do not use if you have or have had:

certain types of seizures (atypical or generalized
absence seizures, atonic seizures, or myoclonic
seizures)
heart block
blood disorders
bone marrow depression
Tell your doctor if you have or have had:

allergies or reaction to carbamazepine or to tricyclic
antidepressants.
pregnancy or are breast-feeding,
previous use of this drug
heart problems
diabetes
glaucoma
alcohol dependence
liver problems
low amount of salt in the blood
retention of urine
kidney problems
anemia
behavioral problems"

When You Use This Drug:
Until you know how you react to this drug, do not
drive or perform other activities requiring alertness.
Carbamazepine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and
lack of muscle coordination.
Schedule regular visits with your doctor to check your
progress.
Wear a medical identification bracelet or carry a card
stating that you take carbamazepine.
If you plan to have any surgery, including dental,
tell your doctor that you take this drug.
Use proper oral hygiene.
Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Caution diabetics: Carbamazepine may increase urine
sugar concentration.
Wear sunscreen when outdoors.

How to Use This Drug:
Take with food.
Store at room temperature with lid on tightly. Do not
store in the bathroom. Do not expose to heat,
moisture, or strong light.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember,
but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Do
not take double doses.
Take the drug at the same time(s) each day.
Do not suddenly stop taking without checking with your
doctor to find out if you need to taper off this drug.



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