Anti-seizurePrescription only

Carbamazepine

Tablet

Quick Summary

Carbamazepine reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Epilepsy

Bipolar disorder

Medical Uses

Epilepsy: Seizure control.

Bipolar disorder: As prescribed.

How it's taken

Take at the same times each day. The dose is increased slowly.

Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.

Common Side Effects

Dizziness

And unsteadiness.

Nausea

Sometimes.

Rash

Report it.

Interactions

Birth control pills

Become less effective.

Many medicines

Levels change.

Critical Warnings

Severe skin reactions

Black Box Warning: Stop for blistering rash; risk is higher in some Asian people with a specific gene.

Don't stop suddenly

Can cause seizures.

Thoughts of self-harm

Black Box Warning: Get help immediately: call 112 or Tele-MANAS (14416).

Drowsiness

Don't drive or use machines if it makes you sleepy, and avoid alcohol.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.

Carbamazepine: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
Carbamazepine: medicine to treat epilepsy, facial pain and bipolar disorder(opens in a new tab) · NHS