Tegretol Liquid contains a substance called carbamazepine. This is one of the group of medicines called anticonvulsants which are used to treat epilepsy. Tegretol Liquid is also used to treat a painful condition of the face called trigeminal neuralgia. Tegretol Liquid is sometimes used for other conditions.

1. Make sure it is safe for you to take Tegretol Liquid (see the back of this leaflet).
1. Take your medicine as directed by your doctor. Read carefully the instructions on the label.
1. Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly. Ask your doctor first.
1. This medicine may cause unwanted effects in some people. You can find information about them on the back of this leaflet.
1. Keep your medicine in a cool place out of reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
1. Remember to return any unused medicine to your pharmacist.

This leaflet has been written for patients as part of our 'Partners in Health Care' theme by:–

This leaflet is produced in accordance with guidance issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The information in it applies only to Tegretol Liquid.

• Tegretol Liquid is white and caramel-flavoured and contains 100mg of carbamazepine in every 5ml.
• Tegretol Liquid does not contain sugar (sucrose).
• The liquid also contains the following inactive ingredients: sorbic acid, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, polyethoxylated castor oil.

If the answer to either of the questions below is YES, DO NOT TAKE the medicine

without talking to your doctor again.

• Have you ever developed a rash or other possible allergy to carbamazepine?
• Do you suffer from any serious heart disease?

If the answer to any of the questions below is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

• Do you suffer from any serious liver or kidney disease?
• Are you taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills)?
• Are you taking anticoagulants (blood thinning tablets like warfarin)?
• Are you taking or have you recently taken any other medicines which your doctor does not know about?
• Are you pregnant or breast feeding?

• Take your medicine as directed by your doctor. It is important to take it at the right times. The label will tell you how much to take and how often. If it does not or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Shake the bottle before you take your medicine.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.
• Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly. Always ask your doctor first.
• If you accidentally take too much Tegretol Liquid, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.

This medicine sometimes causes unwanted effects in some people. If you get any of the

following tell your doctor:

• A rash or peeling of the skin or unexplained bruising.
• A persistent sore throat or raised temperature or both.
• Any yellowing of the whites of your eyes or your skin.
• Swelling of the ankles, feet or lower legs.

Other effects which may occur are:

• Dizziness, drowsiness or headache.
• Double vision or blurred vision.
• Dry mouth.
• Upset stomach.

These effects are often mild and may wear off after a few days treatment. If they are severe or last for more than a few days, tell your doctor. Also, if your medicine upsets you in any other way, tell your doctor.

• When you start taking Tegretol Liquid, your doctor may want you to have a number of blood tests. This is quite usual and nothing to worry about.
• If you get dizzy or drowsy when you start to take your medicine, do not drive or operate machinery until this effect has worn off.
• Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine without first asking your doctor.
• REMEMBER: This medicine is for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to others. It may harm them even if they have the same symptoms as you.