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Uses

What is Equetro used for?

Equetro (carbamazepine) is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

Equetro may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Equetro work (mechanism of action)?

Equetro is a mood stabilizer that may work for the treatment of acute manic or mixed manic episodes in bipolar I disorder by affecting nerve responses. 

Equetro works for both seizures and trigeminal neuralgia by balancing signals between nerves. 

How is Equetro supplied (dosage forms)?

Equetro is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 100 mg oral extended-release capsules
  • 200 mg oral extended-release capsules
  • 300 mg oral extended-release capsules

How should I store Equetro?

Equetro should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place in a tight container. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Equetro?

The most common side effects of Equetro are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling unsteady
  • Constipation
  • Itching
  • Dry mouth
  • Weakness
  • Blurry vision
  • Problems speaking

There may be other side effects of Equetro that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Equetro?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Equetro are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Skin Reactions. Equetro can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. The risk of severe skin reactions is more common in people of Asian descent. Your healthcare provider may have you complete a genetics test to determine if you are at risk prior to starting Equetro. If you develop a rash, stop Equetro and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Blood Disorders. Equetro can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia).  Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Red or purple spots on your body
  • Swollen glands and sore throat

Severe Allergic Reactions. Equetro may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Swelling of the face, lip, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Racing heart
  • Itching, skin rash or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Equetro may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions while taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your child has any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  •  New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior such as increased aggression or hostility

Low Sodium Level (Hyponatremia). Equetro may cause low sodium levels. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low sodium level.

  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Tiredness or sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Weight gain
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Change in your mental condition such as hallucinations, confusion, decreased awareness, or alertness
  • Seizures

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Equetro. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your child has any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Heart Rhythm Changes. Equetro may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people with existing heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Get emergency help if you experience any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting (feeling like you are about to pass out)
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Equetro?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Equetro.

  • Equetro
  • Carbamazepine
  • Any other medicine known as a tricyclic antidepressant (amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, protriptyline, nortriptyline, etc)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Equetro.

Bone Marrow Depression. Do not take Equetro if you have bone marrow depression or a history of the condition.

Drug Interactions. Equetro should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines.  Before taking Equetro, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.  See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Equetro before using it?

Do not take Equetro unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Equetro with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Equetro out of the reach of children.

Equetro may affect your ability to get a partner pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Birth control pills or implants may be less effective and increase your risk of breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancies. Discuss with your healthcare provider about reliable forms of birth control to use.

Do not stop taking Equetro without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Equetro suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that will not stop in people who have epilepsy. If you need to stop taking Equetro, your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to stop the medicine.

Do not chew or crush Equetro capsules. You may open the Equetro capsules and sprinkle the contents onto a teaspoon of applesauce or other soft food. Swallow the soft food right away without chewing. Do not save the soft food to swallow at a later time.

Equetro can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Equetro affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Equetro?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Equetro is right for you.

Make sure that you discuss all your medical conditions including any of the following.

  • Allergic reactions to medicines
  • Heart problems
  • Blood problems
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • Mental health problems such as depression or mood problems
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Increased eye pressure, including glaucoma
  • Porphyria

Pregnancy.  Equetro may cause harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Equetro while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Equetro, you can register for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-233-2334 or at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Equetro passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Equetro while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Equetro?

For more information about Equetro, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at equetro.com or call them at 866-982-5438.

Interactions

Does Equetro interact with foods or drinks?

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while you are taking Equetro. Grapefruit can increase the  risk of side effects from Equetro.

Do not drink alcohol. The risk of sleepiness and dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Equetro. 

Does Equetro interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Equetro interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Equetro.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • Nefazodone, which is a medicine used for depression
  • A medicine for HIV or AIDS

Many medicines may alter the blood levels of Equetro, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Equetro. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Equetro?

If you or someone else has used too much Equetro, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Equetro?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.