Carbamazepine (CAR-buh-MAZ-uh-peen) is the generic name (non-brand name) of a widely used type of seizure medicine. Brand names for carbamazepine in the United States include Tegretol and Carbatrol. In other countries, carbamazepine is known by other brand names, such as Carbagen SR, Mazepine, Tegrital, Teril, and Timonil.

Using generic medicines rather than brand-name ones is often suggested as a way to save money. Sometimes the savings are large, but with other medicines the price differences are pretty small. Investigate and shop around before deciding whether the savings are worth any potential problems.

People who switch from brand-name Tegretol to generic carbamazepine, for example, possibly risk having more seizures or side effects during the changeover, because the body does not absorb the different types in the same way. Switching from one company's generic carbamazepine to another company's may have similar risks. So can switching from generic carbamazepine to Tegretol.

All these risks are not fully known. For some people the effects of changing from one type to another are very small. Some use generic carbamazepine successfully by always using the same company's product. Then the dosage can be adjusted to achieve the best results.

What's important is that you and the doctor should know what you're getting from the pharmacy and be able to control what type of seizure medicine you get.

Forms
Various companies make and sell carbamazepine under different names, including Epitol and Atretol. It is generally available in three forms:

• Tablets: 200 milligrams (mg). These should be swallowed whole, not chewed.
• Chewable tablets: 100 milligrams (mg). These can be either swallowed whole or chewed.
• Suspension (liquid): 100 milligrams (mg) per 5 milliliters (mL or ml)

Products from different companies may look different. They all contain the same kind of medicine, but check with your doctor or the pharmacist if you get pills that look different from the ones you have been taking. You need to be careful because pills from a different company may not work the same way in your body.

How to take and store carbamazepine
Be careful if the doctor writes a new prescription using a different kind of tablet. For example, if you've been using 100-mg tablets and the new prescription is for 200-mg tablets, be careful to use the correct number. Don't automatically continue to use the same number of tablets as before.

Most doctors recommend taking carbamazepine with food to avoid an upset stomach. Because food affects the way medicine is used by the body, try to be consistent day in and day out about taking it with food or not.

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

To use the liquid suspension, shake the bottle just before measuring. Use a standard-size medicine spoon or dropper to get an accurate dose. Do not mix the liquid form of carbamazepine with any other liquid or take it at the same time as another liquid medication, because a rubbery substance may be produced when it is mixed with some other liquids.

Store all types of carbamazepine at room temperature (below 86°F, 30°C). Protect the tablets from moisture. Don't keep them in the bathroom, where it's damp. Keep the bottle of the liquid in a cupboard where it won't get too much light.

What if I forget?
A forgotten dose should be taken right away. If it is almost time for the next dose, delay that dose for a few hours rather than taking two doses close together. If in doubt, call the doctor's office for advice.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. The more often a medicine must be taken, the greater the chance of forgetting, and some people need to take carbamazepine four times every day. This can be difficult. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you. Or ask the doctor whether you can switch to a type of carbamazepine that you can take less often, such as Tegretol-XR or Carbatrol.

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