Mazetol Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Mazetol Tablet contains Carbamazepine, a single-ingredient anti-epileptic medicine. It is a prescription anticonvulsant used for epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and certain mood disorders. It works by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain, which helps control seizures and nerve pain. It should be used exactly as prescribed, with regular monitoring as advised by your doctor.

What is Mazetol Tablet

Mazetol Tablet contains Carbamazepine, a single-ingredient anti-epileptic medicine. It is a prescription anticonvulsant used for epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and certain mood disorders.

Mazetol Tablet uses

• Epilepsy - helps control various types of seizures
• Trigeminal Neuralgia - relieves severe, stabbing facial nerve pain
• Nerve pain - sometimes used for other types of nerve pain, including diabetic neuropathy
• Bipolar disorder - helps manage mood episodes when other options are not suitable

Benefits of Mazetol Tablet

• Seizure Control: Helps control certain types of epileptic seizures.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia Support: Used for certain severe facial nerve pain.
• Nerve Pain Support: May be prescribed for selected neuropathic pain conditions.
• Abnormal Nerve Activity Control: Reduces excessive electrical activity in nerve cells.

How Mazetol Tablet works

Carbamazepine works by controlling how sodium moves in and out of nerve cells in the brain. This calms down overactive nerve signals, which helps reduce seizures and nerve pain.

Mazetol Tablet dosage

May be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor, though taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet; swallow it whole with enough water. Take it at the same time every day to help keep a steady level of the medicine in your body. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, since this can increase seizures. Follow the exact dose and schedule your doctor prescribes. Your doctor may want to check the level of this medicine in your blood from time to time. Caution is advised when giving this medicine to children under 18, and only under a doctor's guidance. Older adults should take this medicine under medical supervision, as they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Mazetol Tablet

Common

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness/sleepiness
• Fatigue and lack of muscle coordination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Blurred or double vision
• Headache
• Mild weight gain
• Skin rash
• Unsteady walking
• Increased sweating
• Yellow colored eyes or skin

Serious

• Low sodium levels (hyponatraemia)
• Reduced blood cell counts (rare)
• Severe skin reactions with blistering and peeling (such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Mood changes or suicidal thoughts
• Allergic reaction with skin rash, itching/swelling of face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, or breathing difficulty
• Heart rhythm disorders (conduction abnormalities)

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine should be used with caution because it can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. Watch closely for any change in mood or behavior, and tell your doctor right away if you notice such changes or have thoughts of self-harm.
• This medicine can rarely cause severe skin reactions that cause blistering and peeling of the skin. Stop the tablet and seek care immediately if a rash, blistering, or peeling skin develops.
• This medicine may lower blood cell counts, including red blood cells, infection-fighting cells, and clot-forming cells. Your doctor may order blood tests before and during treatment to monitor this.
• Stopping this medicine suddenly can increase how often seizures happen. Your doctor will usually recommend gradually lowering the dose instead of stopping all at once.
• This medicine should be used carefully if you have heart problems, as it may cause heart rhythm disorders and worsen your condition.
• This medicine should be used with caution as it can cause low blood sodium levels. Tell your doctor if you notice symptoms like nausea, headache, weakness, or confusion.
• Avoid this medicine if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, as it may make the condition worse.
• Avoid this medicine if you are taking medicines for depression called MAOIs, and wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before starting this medicine.
• Avoid this medicine if you have a history of porphyria, as it may make the condition worse.
• This medicine is unsafe during pregnancy as it can harm the developing baby. Pregnant women need close specialist supervision, so talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• This medicine is not recommended while breastfeeding unless it is absolutely necessary. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Use this medicine with caution if you have kidney problems, since it increases the risk of severe side effects. Your doctor may monitor your kidney function while you take it.
• Use this medicine with caution if you have liver problems, since it increases the risk of severe side effects. Your doctor may monitor your liver function while you take it.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
• This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel affected.

Storage

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the tablet in its original strip
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Ensure that unused or expired medication is disposed of properly

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have an allergic reaction with skin rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mood changes or thoughts of suicide.
• Stop taking the tablet and seek care immediately if a rash, blistering, or peeling skin develops.
• If you take more than the prescribed dose, seek emergency medical treatment.

Alternatives

• Levetiracetam
• Lamotrigine
• Oxcarbazepine