What is the brand name for Carbamazepine?
The brand name for Carbamazepine is Tegretol.
PTCE Top 200 · #185
Carbamazepine
Tegretol
Carbamazepine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Tegretol. It is an anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer used to treat seizures, trigeminal neuralgia. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Carbamazepine ranks #185 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Carbamazepine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Tegretol |
| Drug class | Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | seizures, trigeminal neuralgia |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Carbamazepine used for?
Treatment of epilepsy (partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic); trigeminal neuralgia; acute manic and mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder (product-specific).
What drug class is Carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine is an Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Carbamazepine
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightDrowsiness
- arrow_rightAtaxia
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightVomiting
- arrow_rightDouble vision (diplopia)
- arrow_rightBlurred vision
- arrow_rightRash
Major interactions
- arrow_rightStrong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., macrolides, azole antifungals) can increase carbamazepine levels/toxicity
- arrow_rightStrong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) can decrease levels
- arrow_rightHormonal contraceptives: carbamazepine lowers effectiveness (backup contraception needed)
- arrow_rightWarfarin and many other drugs: reduced effect via enzyme induction
- arrow_rightGrapefruit juice may increase carbamazepine levels
Is Carbamazepine a controlled substance?
No. Carbamazepine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
Serious dermatologic reactions (SJS/TEN) associated with HLA-B*1502 and aplastic anemia/agranulocytosis (boxed warnings in prescribing information).
How to remember Carbamazepine (PTCE mnemonic)
TEG-retol TARGets seizures — CARBAmazepine. Strong CYP INDUCER (auto-induces its own metabolism); HLA-B*1502 → Stevens-Johnson (test Asians); aplastic anemia/agranulocytosis (boxed); SIADH/hyponatremia.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Carbamazepine is the great CYP INDUCER — it lowers other drugs' levels and even its own (autoinduction) — plus the SJS/TEN boxed warning linked to the HLA-B*15:02 gene.
Carbamazepine FAQ
What is Carbamazepine used for?
Carbamazepine is used to treat seizures, trigeminal neuralgia. Treatment of epilepsy (partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic); trigeminal neuralgia; acute manic and mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder (product-specific).
What drug class is Carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine is an Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer (CNS/Psych group).
Is Carbamazepine a controlled substance?
No. Carbamazepine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Drill Carbamazepine the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).