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Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant drug used as a mood stabiliser. It is also known by the trade names Carbagen and Tegretol.
You can find detailed information about this drug in the official Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). This will explain what it can be precribed for, how to take it, possible side effects and safety information.
This leaflet should come inside the box. Or you can download a PDF version of the PIL for this drug here:
Drugs can come in different forms and doses. You should look at the PIL for the specific form and dose your doctor has prescribed for you.
These websites also have more information about this medicine:
If you have specific questions about your medication you can:
Ask your doctor, or whoever prescribes your medication
Speak to someone at a pharmacy
Contact NHS 111 in England, or NHS 111 in Wales
If you get any side effects from this drug, you can report them to the manufacturer using the Yellow Card scheme. This helps them give better information about it. Visit the Yellow Card scheme website to learn more.
About mood stabilisers
Mood stabilisers is a braod group of drugs that are licensed to treat symptoms of:
Severe depression that keeps coming back, in some cases
Schizoaffective disorder, in some cases
Some of the different drugs known as mood stabilisers are very different chemical substances from each other. But they can all help to stabilise your mood if you experience problems with extreme highs or extreme lows.
We have more articles explaining what these drugs are, what side effects they can cause, possible withdrawal effects, and comparison tables.
More support and advice about medication
Our articles are here to support you:
Understanding medication. If you're new to the subject, this is your introduction to what mental health medication all about.
What to consider before taking medication. This is a practical guide with checklists to help you make an informed choice.
Coming off medication. Here you'll find articles about making your decision to come off, planning withdrawal, and managing withdrawal symptoms.
How to get help from your GP. Get tips on how to talk to your doctor, and what might happen when you see them.
We also have information on other treatments, like talking therapies and alternative therapies. See all the types of therapy, medication and treatments we cover.
Published: November 2026
Next review planned: November 2029
References and bibliography available on request. If you want to use this content in your own work, see our permissions and licensing page.