What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings, fluctuating energy levels and disrupts day-to-day functioning.
What is Tegretol?
Tegretol (the generic version is called carbamazepine) is an anti-convulsant drug that is used for seizure disorders.
How does Tegretol work?
Tegretol reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
How does Tegretol help bipolar disorder?
Tegretol works as a mood stabilizer.
Side effects
Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, vomiting and nausea.
Serious side effects include confusion, loss of contact with reality, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes and vision problems. If any of these serious side effects occur, a patient should call his doctor immediately.
Tegretol can also reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Tests to have while taking Tegretol for bipolar disorder
Regular blood tests should be done to check for anemia and blood count.
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