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Tegretol XR®
Diagnosis & Treatment > Seizure Medications > Tegretol XR® > Interactions of Tegretol-XR with other drugs
 

Interactions of Tegretol-XR with other drugs

Adding a new prescription, stopping a prescription, or starting or stopping the use of some OTC products may require adjustments to the dosage of Tegretol-XR (extended-release carbamazepine) or the other drug.

Effects of carbamazepine on other drugs
Because carbamazepine accelerates hepatic metabolism, it will increase the clearance of:

  • oral contraceptives
  • valproate
  • phenytoin
  • phenobarbital
  • primidone
  • clonazepam
  • topiramate
  • ethosuximide
  • corticosteroids
  • warfarin
  • antipsychotics
  • cyclosporine

Effects of other drugs on carbamazepine
Drugs that will increase the serum concentration of carbamazepine by inhibiting its hepatic metabolism include:

  • valproate
  • cimetidine
  • dextropropoxyphene
  • diltiazem
  • erythromycin
  • isoniazid
  • verapamil
  • viloxazine
  • fluoxetine
  • fluconazole, ketoconazole, metronidazole, nefazodone

Grapefruit juice has a similar effect.

Taking carbamazepine simultaneously with lamotrigine may increase the likelihood of neurotoxic side effects. Staggering the doses of carbamazepine and lamotrigine by 1 to 2 hours may lessen this effect, even with Tegretol-XR.

On the other hand, drugs that accelerate hepatic metabolism will lower serum concentrations of carbamazepine. These include:

  • phenytoin
  • oxcarbazepine
  • phenobarbital
  • primidone
  • felbamate

AED Interaction Sheets:
Seizure drugs are often affected by drug-drug interactions. Print these informative sheets for practical help.