Tegretol (TEG-reh-tall) is a brand name used in the United States, Canada, the UK, and some other countries for a type of medicine called carbamazepine (CAR-buh-MAZ-uh-peen). Carbamazepine is also available in different forms by other names, including Tegretol-XR and Carbatrol.

In other countries, carbamazepine is known by other names, such as Carbagen SR, Tegretol Retard, Mazepine, Teril, and Timonil.

Forms of Tegretol
Tegretol is manufactured in many countries by Novartis. The name or appearance may be different in some places. In India, for instance, Novartis calls it Tegrital. Usually the dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") will be the same. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Tablets

200-mg (capsule-shaped, pink) One side says "Tegretol" and the other side says "27" on each half. These are not chewable and should be swallowed whole.

Chewable tablets

100-mg (round, white with red speckles) One side says "Tegretol" and the other side says "52" on each half. These tablets are flavored and can be either swallowed whole or chewed.

Tegretol suspension (liquid)

100 mg per 5 mL (yellow-orange, citrus-vanilla flavored liquid).

How to take and store Tegretol
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 Tegretol 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 Tegretol, 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 Tegretol 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 Tegretol 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, unless it is almost time for the next one. In that case, just use one dose, not a double dose, and call the doctor's office for more 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 Tegretol 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 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!