Children and Tegretol
Carbamazepine is useful in treating many kinds of seizures that occur in children. But other types can be exacerbated (see Contraindications), so a correct diagnosis is critical.
Because children metabolize and eliminate carbamazepine faster than adults do, they require higher doses, relative to their weight. Their blood levels may fluctuate widely, so they often are more affected by dose-related side effects and may need to take smaller, more frequent doses. Using an extended-release form like Tegretol-XR or Carbatrol may reduce this problem. These differences diminish by the early to mid teens.
The initial dosage for children is generally 5-10 mg/kg, divided into two daily doses. Increases usually go no higher than 35 mg/kg, divided into 3 or 4 doses if an extended-release form is not used. Very young children and infants tend to require higher dosages relative to weight than older children.
