Common Questions about Carbamazepine

Is carbamazepine an antidepressant?

Carbamazepine is not an antidepressant. It is an anticonvulsant (seizure medicine). However, carbamazepine and its active metabolite are closely related to a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Therefore, if you have an allergy to tricyclic antidepressants, you are at an increased risk of having an allergic reaction to carbamazepine.

Does carbamazepine improve mood?

Carbamazepine can stabilize mood by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is used to treat people with bipolar disorder who have acute manic episodes or mixed episodes of depression and mania.

What is the best time to take carbamazepine?

Your doctor may ask you to take carbamazepine up to 4 times a day. You should take this medication with meals, for example in the morning, at lunchtime, in the evening, and at bedtime. The extended-release formulations of carbamazepine are usually taken twice a day. The extended-release capsules (Equetro brand) can be taken with or without food.

Does carbamazepine work immediately?

No, carbamazepine does not work immediately. It can take 1-2 weeks or longer for this medication to have its full effect. If you feel the medicine is not working even after 3-4 weeks, call your doctor. Do not stop taking carbamazepine without talking to your doctor, as this can lead to worsening seizures. 

What happens if you suddenly stop taking carbamazepine?

If you suddenly stop taking carbamazepine, it can lead to new or worsening seizures due to withdrawal effects. Do not stop taking carbamazepine without talking to your healthcare provider first. They will tell you how to slowly lower the dose of carbamazepine to reduce the risk of withdrawal seizures.

What is the price of carbamazepine without insurance?

Without insurance, carbamazepine can be as high as $75.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $24.98 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.

What is the price of carbamazepine with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on carbamazepine—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for carbamazepine. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.