Tegretol (Carbamazepine) for Chronic Pain

Overview
Tegretol is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat trigeminal neuralgia and many types of seizures. Tegretol may also be effective at treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Tegretol is also referred to by its drug name, Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is also sold under the brand name Epitol.

Tegretol is an anticonvulsant, or drug that controls seizures. Tegretol is believed to work on certain types of pain by reducing pain signals sent by damaged nerves.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Tegretol should be taken orally two to four times a day.

Tegretol comes in tablet and liquid solution forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Tegretol lists common side effects including sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, feeling unsteady on your feet, headache, and blurry vision.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Tegretol include worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and severe skin reactions.