Tegretol-XR (TEG-reh-tall eks-arr) is a brand name used in the United States for one form of the seizure medicine called carbamazepine (CAR-buh-MAZ-uh-peen). The “XR” stands for “extended release."

The best-known brand name for carbamazepine in the United States and many other countries is Tegretol. Most people need to take regular Tegretol three or four times a day, however. Many have trouble remembering to take it so often. "Extended-release" pills release the medicine slowly, so they can be taken just twice a day. Carbatrol is another extended-release form of carbamazepine. It works in a different way.

In other countries, different extended-release forms of carbamazepine may be available. In the UK, for instance, Tegretol Retard is often used. It uses a different method than Tegretol-XR to deliver the medicine to the body over a long period. Unlike Tegretol-XR, Tegretol Retard tablets can be divided, but they should not be chewed or crushed.

Forms
Tegretol-XR is manufactured in the United States by Novartis. The name or appearance may be different in various countries but usually the dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") will be the same. These descriptions apply to the U.S. product.

Tegretol-XR comes as tablets, in three sizes:

	100-mg (yellow)
	200-mg (pink)
	400-mg (brown)

How to take and store Tegretol-XR
Swallow Tegretol-XR tablets whole. Do not bite them or break them. Before taking a tablet, look at it to make sure that it is not cracked or broken. Do not use a damaged Tegretol-XR tablet. After the tablets are swallowed, fluid is absorbed through the shell. The contents expand and are slowly pushed out through the small opening on one side. If the shell is broken, the contents will be released too quickly. If this happens, it is like taking a tablet of regular Tegretol.

The shell does not dissolve, so you may see it in the toilet when you have a bowel movement. This is normal.

As the doctor increases the amount of Tegretol-XR that you take, you may be given a different kind of tablet than the ones you've been taking. For example, you may start out using 100-mg tablets and then switch to 200-mg tablets. If this happens, be careful to use the correct number. Don't automatically continue to use the same number of tablets as before.

Don't drink grapefruit juice, because it can interfere with the body's use of the medication.

Store Tegretol-XR at room temperature (below 86°F, 30°C). Protect the tablets from moisture. Don't keep them in the bathroom, where it's damp.

What if I forget?
A forgotten dose should be taken as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, it's a good idea to delay that dose for several hours so you're not taking two doses very close together. Then you can resume the regular schedule the next day. If you're not sure about what to do, call the doctor's office for more advice.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!