MAZETOL SR 300 TABLET

⚡🧠💊 Carbamazepine 300mg: High-Potency Control for Seizures, Neuralgia & Mood Swings

Carbamazepine 300mg is a high-strength anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer used to treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, most notably epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder. It is especially effective in patients requiring moderate to high doses for long-term disease control, offering robust protection against seizures, nerve pain, and emotional instability. Its action on hyperactive neurons makes it a vital therapy in both acute and maintenance settings.

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🔬 Mechanism of Action

Carbamazepine works primarily by:

• Blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing repetitive and excessive neuronal firing.

• Stabilizing hyperexcitable neuronal membranes, particularly in seizure foci.

• Modulating neurotransmitter activity (glutamate, GABA, dopamine), contributing to its mood-stabilizing and analgesic effects.

These combined actions help manage:

• Seizure propagation

• Neuropathic pain transmission

• Mood dysregulation

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💊 Clinical Indications

Carbamazepine 300mg is typically prescribed for:

1. Epilepsy

   • Partial seizures (focal onset), with or without secondary generalization

   • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
     ⚠️ Not effective in absence or myoclonic seizures

2. Trigeminal Neuralgia

   • Considered the gold-standard treatment for this intense facial nerve pain

3. Bipolar Affective Disorder

   • Used to control acute manic or mixed episodes

   • Also for long-term mood stabilization

4. Other Uses (Off-label)

   • Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

   • Neuropathic pain syndromes (e.g., diabetic neuropathy)

   • Alcohol withdrawal seizures

   • Schizoaffective disorder (adjunct)

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⚖️ Dosage and Administration

• Starting dose may begin lower (100–200mg), then titrated up to 300mg or more based on patient response.

• Maintenance dose commonly ranges from 600–1200mg/day, split into 2 or 3 doses.

• 300mg tablets are ideal for patients stabilized on mid-to-high doses.

• Should be taken with food to minimize stomach irritation.

• Available in immediate-release and controlled-release (CR) forms for sustained effect.

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⚠️ Side Effects and Monitoring

Common side effects:

• Dizziness, drowsiness

• Blurred vision, nausea

• Coordination issues (ataxia)

Serious side effects:

• Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia → Regular CBC monitoring required

• Hepatotoxicity → Check liver function tests (LFTs)

• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), especially in Asians with HLA-B*1502 gene

• Hyponatremia (especially in elderly patients)

Drug Interactions:

• Strong inducer of CYP450 enzymes
  → Reduces efficacy of many drugs (e.g., warfarin, oral contraceptives)

• Avoid with MAO inhibitors (14-day washout needed)

Pregnancy:

• Category D: Risk of birth defects (e.g., neural tube defects)

• Supplement with folic acid if use is essential

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📈 Monitoring Recommendations

• Therapeutic drug levels: 4–12 mcg/mL

• CBC, LFTs, serum sodium regularly

• Screening for HLA-B*1502 allele before starting in Asian populations

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📌 Conclusion

Carbamazepine 300mg offers a powerful, sustained defense against seizures, chronic nerve pain, and mood disorders. Ideal for patients needing higher maintenance doses, it combines effectiveness with long-term tolerability when used under proper medical supervision. With regular monitoring and careful dose adjustment, it plays a cornerstone role in comprehensive neurological and psychiatric care.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.