The best amount is the amount that completely controls seizures without causing troublesome side effects. It depends on many factors, which are different for every individual, so no single dose works best for everyone. Follow the doctor's directions. Call if you have any questions.

No one should stop taking Carbatrol or change the amount they take without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can cause a serious and possibly life-threatening problem called status epilepticus.

Carbatrol was developed to be taken only a twice a day. This routine is more convenient and easier to remember than taking it four times a day, as needed for some other forms of carbamazepine. The total amount taken each day is usually the same regardless of what form is used, however.

Don’t use more Carbatrol than the doctor prescribes. If a little extra (such as one or two extra capsules) is taken by accident, call the doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call a poison control center or emergency room right away, unless you have special instructions from the doctor.

To avoid unwanted side effects, the doctor will prescribe a low dose, such as 100-200 milligrams (mg) per day to start for people over 12 years of age. The amount will be increased by another 100-200 mg every week or two until the seizures are controlled, unless side effects become too troublesome first. For most adults, seizures are controlled by about 600 to 1200 mg daily. Because the smallest Carbatrol capsule is 100 milligrams, a few people may have to begin by taking another form of carbamazepine and change to Carbatrol when they reach a higher daily dose.

The amount of medicine given to children is based on how much they weigh. The doctor will figure it out on the basis of a certain number of milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg, about 2.2 pounds) of the child's weight. Older children usually start taking Carbatrol at 10 to 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. Increases usually go no higher than 35 milligrams per kilogram. Children 6 to 12 years old usually end up taking a total of 400 to 800 mg per day. Because the smallest Carbatrol capsule is 100 milligrams, very small children may may have to begin by taking another form of carbamazepine (the medicine in Carbatrol) and change to Carbatrol when they reach a higher daily dose.