Carbatrol (Carbamazepine) for Depression

Overview
Carbatrol is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat trigeminal neuralgia and some types of seizures. Carbatrol is sometimes prescribed to treat certain types of depression. Since the FDA has not approved Carbatrol specifically for this usage, it is considered “off-label.” Carbatrol may be referred to by its drug name, Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is also sold under the brand name Tegretol.

Carbatrol is an anticonvulsant, or drug that controls seizures. In cases of depression, Carbatrol works as a mood stabilizer.

How do I take it?
Carbatrol should be taken as prescribed by a physician.

Carbatrol comes in capsule form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Carbatrol lists common side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and unsteadiness.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Carbatrol include severe skin reactions, blood disorders, and suicidal thinking or behavior.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Carbatrol – RxList: http://www.rxlist.com/carbatrol-drug.htm