Carbamazepine
Also known as: Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro
Your veterinarian has prescribed carbamazepine for your pet. Please read the following carefully: * **Off-Label Use:** This medication is used "off-label" in veterinary medicine. It is used infrequently, and your veterinarian has prescribed it based on your pet's specific behavioral or neurological needs. * **Strict Schedule:** It is crucial to give this medication exactly as prescribed. Because animals process this drug very quickly, missing a dose can lead to a loss of effectiveness. It often requires frequent administration. * **What to Watch For:** Monitor your pet for signs of lethargy, unsteadiness (ataxia), or gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, loss of appetite). > **Important:** Report any unusual behavior, severe vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes/gums (jaundice) to your veterinarian immediately, as these could be signs of liver stress or adverse reactions.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For photic head shaking
- As a psychotherapeutic agent
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation and lethargy
- Ataxia (unsteadiness)
- Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, anorexia)
- Hepatotoxicity (elevated liver enzymes)
- Blood dyscrasias (rare but possible bone marrow suppression)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients receiving MAO Inhibitors (e.g., selegiline) within the past 14 days
- Patients with a history of bone marrow depression
- Known hypersensitivity to carbamazepine or tricyclic antidepressants
- Use with extreme caution due to extensive drug interactions (it is a potent inducer of hepatic enzymes). In dogs, it rapidly induces its own metabolism (autoinduction), making long-term therapeutic dosing difficult. May interfere with thyroid function tests (decreased values) and some pregnancy tests, though veterinary significance is unclear.
Drug interactions
- Azole Antifungals (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole): May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine
- Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Diltiazem, Verapamil): May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine; Carbamazepine may also decrease their effects
- Cimetidine: May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine
- Danazol: May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine
- Grapefruit Juice: May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine
- Isoniazid: May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine; Carbamazepine may also increase effects of Isoniazid
- Macrolides (e.g., Erythromycin, Clarithromycin): May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine
- MAO Inhibitors (e.g., Selegiline): Contraindicated; discontinue MAOI at least 14 days prior to carbamazepine
- Niacin: May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine
- SSRI Antidepressants (e.g., Fluoxetine): May increase plasma levels or effects of carbamazepine
Frequently asked questions
What is Carbamazepine used for in pets?
Your veterinarian has prescribed carbamazepine for your pet. Please read the following carefully: * **Off-Label Use:** This medication is used "off-label" in veterinary medicine. It is used infrequently, and your veterinarian has prescribed it based on your pet's specific behavioral or neurological needs. * **Strict Schedule:** It is crucial to give this medication exactly as prescribed. Because animals process this drug very quickly, missing a dose can lead to a loss of effectiveness. It often requires frequent administration. * **What to Watch For:** Monitor your pet for signs of lethargy, unsteadiness (ataxia), or gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, loss of appetite). > **Important:** Report any unusual behavior, severe vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes/gums (jaundice) to your veterinarian immediately, as these could be signs of liver stress or adverse reactions.
Is Carbamazepine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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