Carbamazepine

Other Names: Carbatrol, Equetro, Epitol, Tegretol.

Commonly Prescribed For: Carbamazepine can be used alone or combined with other medications for controlling certain kinds of seizures. This medication can also be used for treating trigeminal neuralgia (a condition, which leads to facial nerve pain).

How to Take it: Carbamazepine is available in the form of a tablet, a suspension (liquid), a chewable tablet, an extended-release tablet, and a long-acting tablet to be taken via mouth. The regular and chewable tablet is generally taken 2 to 4 time every day along with meals. The extended-release tablet is normally taken two times every day along with meals. Do not chew or crush the extended-release tablet, instead swallow the tablets entirely.

How it Works: Carbamazepine belongs to a group of drugs known as anticonvulsants. It decreases the unusual electrical activity in your brain.

Some Side Effects: Common side effects include drowsiness, back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, unsteadiness, heartburn, nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache and memory problems. Some serious side effects include confusion, vision problems, yellowing of the skin, and lack of contact with reality.