Epival Drug Information - uses, side effects for Epival medication

Alien Sheng
What is Epival and for what Epival is used?

Epival is an "extended-release" form of carbamazepine, which means that the medicine is released into the body slowly instead of all at once. Epival is used to aid in the treatment of epilepsy. TEGRETOL is another name for it.

Epival is used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Epival medications is not for common aches and pains.

How to Take Epival

Take Epival exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Epival is available in CAPSULE form. Take this medicine after food. Do not stop Epival medication without the advice of your doctor; doing so may result in an increase in seizures. The Tegretol, Tegretol XR, and Epitol brands of Epival should be taken with food. The Epival brand of Epival may be taken with or without food.

What are the Side Effects of Epival -

Like other medicines, Epival can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Epival include

mouth ulcers

pain or difficulty passing urine

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

ringing in the ears

seizures (convulsions)

shortness of breath, wheezing

skin rash, hives, itching

sore throat

Sleepiness/drowsiness

Coordination difficulties

Rash or other allergic reaction (swollen glands, fever, sore throat).

Weakness of the bones (osteopenia)

stomach pain

swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual swelling

vomiting

Some other side effects of Epival are as:

Liver problems

Blood problems

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Epival intraction with other drugs:

Epival is metabolized in the liver and interacts with several other epilepsy drugs and other medications, such as warfarin, theophyline, and doxycycline. It may reduce the effectiveness of other antiepileptic drugs which are also processed through the liver and with the effectiveness of birth control pills at standard doses. Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs.


Warnings and precautions before taking Epival :

If you are taking carbamazepine for epilepsy (seizures) do not stop taking it suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.

Epival capsule must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harmful side effects to the unborn child. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications along with Epival.

Breast Feeding - Mothers who are taking Epival and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Epival. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by Epival. It may also increase the risk of seizures.

The safety and efficay of this medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents, hence it is not recommended for use in these age groups.

What if Overdose of Epival ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Epival, immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention.

What if Missed Dose of Epival?

If you miss a dose of Epival medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Epival:

Store Epival capsules at room temperature (below 77°F) and protect them from light and moisture. Keep the medication away from the children.

Alien writes for cymbalta. He also writes for cymbalta side effects and anxiety disorders.

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Alien Sheng

Alien writes for Medical doctor. He also writes for home remedies and drugs treatment.

He is writing for online doctor from Aug 2006. Check out his latest articles on Bodybuilding supplements and Beauty tips .

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