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.”

Tegretol-XR was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. The goal of developing this new form of tablets was to make it easier and more convenient to take carbamazepine by reducing the number of times per day that pills must be taken. Another benefit is that it provides a more even level of medication in the blood.

In other countries, different extended-release forms of carbamazepine may be available. In the UK, for instance, Tegretol Retard is often used. It employs 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. Similar seizure medicines are available in some other countries using different names. Usually the dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") is the same. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Tegretol-XR comes as tablets, in three sizes:

		100-mg (round, yellow, coated) Tablets with an opening in the shell on one side. Imprinted T on one side and 100 mg on the other.
		200-mg (round, pink, coated) Tablets with an opening in the shell on one side. Imprinted T on one side and 100 mg on the other.
		400-mg (round, brown, coated) Tablets with an opening in the shell on one side. Imprinted T on one side and 400 mg on the other

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.

Be careful if the doctor writes a new prescription using a different size 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.

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