What is the brand name for Carbamazepine?
The brand name for Carbamazepine is Tegretol.
PTCB 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).
Study guides that cover Carbamazepine
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
Pharmacy math cheat sheetthe five calculation types the PTCE asks
What changed on the 2026 PTCB examthe new domain weights for 2026See all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Carbamazepine the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. 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).