Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat seizure disorders and nerve pain. It works by stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing excessive electrical activity in the brain. The medication is also prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia and certain mood disorders.
An anticonvulsant used to control seizures and nerve pain by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N03AF01
- RxNorm
- 2002
- Generic
- Carbamazepine
- Class
- atc-n03
- Brands
- Tegretol, Epitol, Carbatrol, Equetro
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10-20mg/kg/day
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- divided twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 100-200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; folic acid supplementation recommended
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound for neural tube defects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
close monitoring of maternal and fetal status; consider vitamin K supplementation in last month
fetal growth monitoring, non-stress tests
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for sedation, poor feeding, irritability; discontinue if infant shows signs of toxicity
observe infant for adverse effects; consider infant serum levels if symptomatic
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing required; start low and titrate slowly
use chewable tablets or suspension for accurate dosing; monitor for behavioral changes
regular CBC, liver function tests, serum drug level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose and titrate slowly; consider renal function
monitor for confusion, dizziness, sedation; increased fall risk
regular renal function tests, CBC, liver function tests, serum drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe ckr less 30reduce dose by 25-50%; extended dosing intervals may be needed
monitor serum levels closely; adjust based on therapeutic response and tolerability
frequent serum drug level monitoring, renal function tests, CBC
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use or significantly reduce dose
use with extreme caution; contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment
frequent liver function tests, serum drug level monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Drug class
ATC Classification N03AF01 - Anti-epileptic drugs
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Brand names
Common commercial brand names
Epilepsy (partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures), trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial nerve pain), and bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer.
Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, stabilizes neuronal membranes, reduces polysynaptic responses, and inhibits post-tetanic potentiation to prevent seizure activity and reduce pain signals.
Requires regular blood count monitoring due to risk of blood disorders; can cause serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome); multiple drug interactions including birth control pills; do not stop abruptly; effectiveness requires consistent blood levels.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy