Equetro
Generic Name:
Carbamazepine
Brand Names:
Equetro
Equetro Description:
Equetro is an antiepileptic and anticonvulsant medication prescribed for patients with Bipolar I Disorder who experience mood swings with frequent cycles of mania. Equetro extended-release capsules deliver a continuous amount of medication over 12 hours to control manic and mixed symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder.
Equetro Side Effects:
Serious side effects reported with Equetro treatment include:
- Bruising easily
- Fever
- Low or decreased white blood cell or platelet counts
- New or worsening depression
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Urinating less than usual
For more information, see our Equetro side effects page.
Equetro Uses:
Equetro is used in the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder patients with manic and mixed symptoms. Equetro works to reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain in patients who experience at least one manic or mixed episode that occurs nearly every day for at least one week.
Manic episodes are described as periods of abnormally elevated (good) moods, followed by emotional lows (depression). Mixed episodes are characterized by manic symptoms and depressive symptoms that occur at the same time.
Equetro can also be used to treat the following conditions:
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Central partial diabetes insipidus (water diabetes)
- Facial pain related to trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux)
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils)
- Mood swings
- Various types of seizures (partial, focal, grand mal, generalized tonic-clonic, mixed)
Equetro Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with Equetro, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with Equetro, as interactions may occur:
- Acetaminophen
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Cimetidine
- Clarithromycin
- Clonazepam
- Clozapine
- Cyclosporin
- Desipramine
- Diazepam
- Diltiazem
- Erythromycin
- Fluoxetine
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Loratadine
- Olanzapine
- Oral contraceptives
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Protease inhibitors
- Rifampin
- Theophylline
- Tramadol
- Warfarin
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
- Nefazodone
There are many other medications that may interact with Equetro. Talk with your doctor or consult the Equetro Medication Guide for more information.
Equetro Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Equetro is available in 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg extended-release capsules.
Equetro is typically prescribed as 400 mg/day given in divided doses, twice daily. The dose can be gradually increased in 200 mg daily increments to achieve the desired result. The maximum daily dose is 1600 mg. Equetro capsules can be swallowed whole or the contents may be sprinkled over food such as applesauce.
Missing a Dose of Equetro
If you miss a dose of Equetro, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Equetro Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Signs of overdose include slowed breathing, irregular breathing, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, and tremors.
Equetro FDA Approval:
December 10, 2004
Equetro Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There is a Black Box warning on Equetro regarding the possible incidence of aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis with treatment. Your physician should do complete pre-treatment blood testing to determine the risks of treatment. If a patient exhibits low or decreased white blood cell or platelet counts during treatment, the patient should be monitored closely. Discontinuation of the drug should be considered if any evidence of significant bone marrow depression develops.
There is another warning concerning the incidence of serious skin reactions in rare cases with patients taking Equetro. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS) have been reported, with Asian patients at a higher risk than Caucasian patients.
In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered all antiepileptic medications to revise their warning labels to include warnings about the possible increase of suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with the medications.
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