Talking Drugs With Donna
This article is the second in a series by Donna Ochterski. Each issue, Donna will discuss a different medication, including its uses, possible side effects, and special recommendations for administration (e.g. should blood levels be monitored?). If you would like Donna to profile a particular medication in a future issue, please email Donna at dochterski@northwesthc.org. Thank you.
Medication Name: Carbamazepine (also known as: Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, Atretol, Carbatrol). Available in: tablets, capsules, or liquid.
Use: anticonvulsant / seizure control, treat nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy, Bipolar, major depression, and intermittent explosive disorder.
Side Effects: Allergic reaction (hives, itching, trouble breathing, tightness in chest, swelling face, throat, hands), bone marrow depression (fever, sore throat, sores in mouth, unusual bleeding or bruising), nausea, vomiting.
Special recommendations for administration: The extender-release tablet and capsule must be swallowed whole.
DO NOT CHEW! DO NOT CRUSH! DO NOT BREAK!
Take with food.
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture (do not keep in bathroom), and direct light.
Birth control pills, implants, and shots are not effective when taking Carbamazepine.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Carbamazepine.
When taking this drug, blood levels need to be done regularly, along with CBC and liver function tests. The regularity will depend on individual and physician.
The HCQU recently had the opportunity to offer training and support to the staff of one of our group homes with an individual who was dying. This individual was able to remain in the home with supports from Hospice and the HCQU. A training was put together and presented to the staff on the individual's illness, and Bonnie presented her Death and Dying training to the staff and talked with the individuals who were living in the home with this person. When the individual died, Joanne was able to quickly schedule her Grief and Loss training for the staff, and another for the individuals in the home. Please know we are here to offer this same support to caregivers and staff of all our provider agencies. If you are in need of our help to get through a difficult situation, please know we are here to help in any way we can.
