Seizures and convulsions are an outcome of excessive neuro activities in the cerebral system. You tend to experience involuntary shaking of your body. Anticonvulsant drugs are widely prescribed for the treatment of seizures and fits. Of such drugs, carbamazepine is a popular med used for treating nerve pains and epileptic fits. But, how long does it take for carbamazepine to work for trigeminal neuralgia? It is helpful to know more.
Epilepsy is a neuro disorder that causes convulsions. Your body shakes due to erratic firing of neurons of the central nervous system. Fits or seizures may occur due to genetic causes as well as other acquired reasons. Some of the acquired reasons are incidence of strokes, brain-related trauma, onset of cancers, etc. However, in more than 58% of cases, reasons remain largely unknown. In case of younger adults, congenital factors play a key role.
Antiseizure drugs are commonly administered to treat symptoms associated with epilepsy. These medications can treat mental disorders like personality disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.
What is carbamazepine?
This drug is prescribed for treating nerves pains and epileptic fits. It is also taken for treating schizophrenia and an adjunctive medication for bipolar conditions. It was launched for use in the early 1960s. It currently features as part of essential drugs listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).With the number of prescriptions already at more than 1.95 millioneach year, it ranks among the top 200 drugs in terms of popularity.
Carbamazepine works as an agent that blocks sodium channels. Through this action this med inhibits repeated firing of neurons. Key chemicals exhibit serotonin-releasing properties. The drug is absorbed within 24 hours; in some cases, absorption rate is faster. Rate of absorption depends on strength of doses.
How long does it take for carbamazepine to work for trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition which shows up as pain experienced at the lower part of your face as well as jaws. Some people with trigeminal neuralgia have reported pains above eyes and around the nasal region. These discomforts arise when the trigeminal nerve is irritated or excited. Triggers include mundane activities like eating or brushing the teeth.
Carbamazepine is used for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. This anticonvulsant med yields positive outcomes in more than 85% of cases. Other meds used for these painful conditions include gabapentin, phenytoin, etc. The typical dosage plan of carbamazepine for trigeminal neuralgia is twice to thrice every day, for 2 to 3 weeks’ time. It may take more than 20 days of dosing of this med to start working. Your doctor may prescribe this med for several weeks to a few months depending on intensity of pains and how frequently facial pains show up.
In order to prevent likely onset of adverse effects, initial dosages are maintained at a fairly low level. Upon ascertaining no side effects, doses are increased in a gradual manner. The maximum dose of carbamazepine must never exceed 1,600 mg within a 24-hour timeline. Carbamazepine is available both as extended release and an immediate release version.
Initial dosage of immediate release version is 100 mg, taken orally twice every day. Dosage for maintenance is 500 to 600 mg each day. The maximum limit of dosing immediate-release version of carbamazepine is 1,200 mg each day. In case of extended release, starting dose is 200 mg per day (or it can be 100 mg taken two times every 12-hours). Dosages are increased by 200 mg each day to get better relief from facial pains.
This med is not an over the counter (OTC) drug; its use needs to be strictly as per your treating doctor’s advice. You may obtain more details about how long does it take for carbamazepine to work for trigeminal neuralgia by either taking to a qualified neurologist.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.