carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if a mood stabilizer like carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
bipolar disorder

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What is a mood stabilizer?

Mood stabilizers are a class of medication that helps support mood stability for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder.

How does a mood stabilizer work?

Mood stabilizers work by regulating the activity of nerve cells in the brain, which can protect against manic or depressive episodes.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) used for?

Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) is used to treat epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and types of manic and mixed episodes due to bipolar disorder. It may also be used off-label to treat psychotic disorders, restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain (nerve pain), and to lower agitation or aggression in people with dementia. An off-label use is when a medication is used for a condition other than its approved uses.

Is carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) a controlled substance?

No, carbamazepine is not a controlled substance since it is not habit-forming and isn't known to cause addiction. If you have questions about how carbamazepine works, talk with your provider.

Does carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) cause weight gain or loss?

It's possible for carbamazepine to cause some weight gain, as some people taking the medication in studies experienced weight gain. However, weight gain is not a common side effect of the medication. Carbamazepine may also cause nausea and vomiting, which should be temporary and go away with continued treatment. If the nausea or vomiting is serious, you may have some weight loss. If you experience concerning changes in weight with carbamazepine treatment, talk with your provider.

How long does carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) withdrawal last?

How long carbamazepine withdrawal lasts depends on your individual response to the medication, your dosage, how quickly or slowly you decrease your dosage, and other factors, such as other health conditions you may have. If you've been prescribed carbamazepine and you need to stop the medication, your provider will gradually lower your dose until you can stop the medication in order to lower your risk of withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, tingling, tremors, weight loss, seizures or a worsening of your condition. Do not stop taking the medication on your own. If you have other questions about carbamazepine withdrawal, talk with your doctor.

Does carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) make you sleepy?

Yes, sleepiness and dizziness are common side effects of carbamazepine. However, the medication may also cause insomnia in some people. Until you know how taking carbamazepine affects you, don't perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving. If the sleepiness is bothersome and doesn't go away, talk with your provider.

How long does carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) stay in your system?

How long carbamazepine stays in your system depends on the dosage form of the medication you're prescribed, your dosage, other medications you may be taking, and how well your liver is working. If you have questions about how long your dosage form of carbamazepine will stay in your system, talk with your pharmacist or provider.

What happens if you stop taking carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol) suddenly?

Suddenly stopping carbamazepine may worsen your condition and can put you at high risk of the return of previous symptoms. You may also experience tremors, anxiety, seizures, insomnia, weight loss, or other serious side effects. It's important to take carbamazepine exactly as your provider has directed. If you want to stop taking the medication, talk to your provider—they can discuss your options and slowly help you stop taking the medication to lower your risk of certain side effects.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published December 10, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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