Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-certain medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS that are given in combination with cobicistat
-
delavirdine


-
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate


-
nefazodone


-
oxcarbazepine



This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-
acetaminophen


-
acetazolamide


-
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital


-
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin or troleandomycin


-
cimetidine


-
cyclosporine


-
danazol


-
dicumarol


-
doxycycline


-
female hormones, including estrogens and birth control pills


-
grapefruit juice


-
isoniazid, INH


-
levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones


-
lithium and other medicines to treat mood problems or psychotic disturbances


-
loratadine


-
medicines for angina or high blood pressure


-
medicines for cancer


-
medicines for depression or anxiety


-
medicines for sleep


-
medicines to treat fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole


-
medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS


-
methadone


-
niacinamide


-
praziquantel


-
propoxyphene


-
rifampin or rifabutin


-
seizure or epilepsy medicine


-
steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone


-
theophylline


-
tramadol


-
warfarin

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Asian ancestry
-bone marrow disease
-glaucoma
-heart disease or irregular heartbeat
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
-porphyria
-psychotic disorders
-suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
-an unusual or allergic reaction to carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, phenobarbital or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

Visit your doctor or health care provider for a regular check on your progress. Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medicine without discussing the change with your doctor or health care provider. If you are taking this medicine for epilepsy (seizures), do not stop taking it suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and doctor or health care provider.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care provider right away.

Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin D and folic acid. You should make sure that you get enough vitamins while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care provider.

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.