What sort of side-effects might occur if I am taking carbamazepine?
The table below will show you some of the main side effects you might get from carbamazepine.
|
Side effect |
What happens |
What to do about it |
|
COMMON (more than about 1 in 10 people might get these) |
||
|
Sleepiness |
Feeling sleepy, drowsy or sluggish. It can last for a few hours after taking your dose. |
Don't drive or use machinery. Ask your doctor if you can take your carbamazepine at a different time of the day or have the sustained release (Retard) tablet. |
|
Diplopia |
Seeing double or "double vision". |
Don't drive or use machinery. See your doctor if you are worried. Sustained release tablets (Retard) may help. |
|
Dizziness |
Feeling light-headed and faint. |
Don't stand up too quickly. |
|
Stomach upset |
Feeling sick and being sick. You may have a dry mouth. |
If it is bad, contact your doctor. It may be possible to adjust your dose or when you take the carbamazepine. |
|
UNCOMMON (less than about 1 in 10 people might get these) |
||
|
Headache |
When your head is painful and pounding. |
Try paracetamol. Your pharmacist will be able to advise if this is safe to take with any other medicines you may be taking. |
|
Ataxia |
Being very unsteady on your feet. |
Your carbamazepine level may be too high. Contact your doctor now. A blood test may be needed. |
|
RARE (less than about 1 in 100 people might get these) |
||
|
Constipation |
When you want to poop but can't (the opposite of diarrhoea). You can't pass a motion |
Make sure you eat enough fibre, cereal or fruit. Make sure you are drinking enough fluid. Make sure you keep active and get some exercise e.g. walking. If this does not help, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a mild laxative. |
|
Confusion |
Your mind is all mixed up. |
Your carbamazepine level may be too high. Contact your doctor now. A blood test may be needed. |
|
Erythematous rash |
A red rash seen anywhere on the skin. |
Stop taking carbamazepine and contact your doctor now. |
|
Ankle oedema |
Swelling on the ankles, legs or feet |
It is not usually dangerous. Tell your doctor next time you meet. |
|
SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone hypersecretion) |
Symptoms include not passing much urine, headache, confusion, tiredness and, if very severe, seizures and coma. |
This can be dangerous. Contact your doctor now. |
|
RARE (less than about 1 in 1000 people might get these) |
||
|
Agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia |
You may get more infections, bruise more easily or have a sore throat or a temperature. |
See your doctor now if you get an infection, sore throat, fever or bruise more easily. You may need a blood test. |
Do not be worried by this list of side effects. Some people get no side effects at all and others may get some effects that are not listed in this table. Side effects tend to be worse with higher doses. Starting with a lower dose sometimes helps. If you think you might have a side effect to your medicine, you should discuss this with your doctor, nurse of pharmacist. You should also see the manufacturer's information leaflet.
Updated 12.11