Tegrital Suspension

Product introduction

Tegrital Suspension is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent certain types of seizures (fits). It is also prescribed for a painful condition of the face, head, and neck known as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetes-related nerve pain (diabetic neuropathy).

Tegrital Suspension must be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time every day. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. It may be increased gradually. Many other medicines can interfere with this medicine so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe.

You can take this medicine with or without food but take it regularly at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit. It is important to take this medicine for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing even a single dose may trigger a seizure and, if you stop taking it abruptly, your condition may get worse.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, feeling dizzy, tired or drowsy, unsteadiness (balance disorder), constipation, dry mouth, and itching. Some people may develop blurring of vision and slurred speech. Most of the side effects are not serious. However, let your doctor know straight away if you notice a skin rash or if your mood becomes depressed or if you develop any thoughts about harming yourself.

Before taking Tegrital Suspension, tell your doctor if you have any heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty in urinating, or any mental illness like depression. These conditions may affect your treatment. You may be advised some blood tests (eg. CBC) before starting treatment and then periodically thereafter, to monitor your progress.

Uses of Tegrital Oral Suspension

Epilepsy/Seizures Trigeminal neuralgia Diabetic nerve pain

Benefits of Tegrital Oral Suspension

In Epilepsy/Seizures

Tegrital Suspension works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.

This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

In Trigeminal neuralgia

Tegrital Suspension can relieve nerve pain by decreasing nerve impulses which cause the pain (in the trigeminal nerve in your face). It is effective in treating this condition although other medications may also be used. It will enable you to carry out certain daily activities like shaving, putting on make-up, eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth with some freedom from the worry and pain that trigeminal neuralgia can cause. It is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but should not be stopped suddenly.

In Diabetic nerve pain

Tegrital Suspension relieves nerve pain by decreasing nerve impulses which cause the pain. If the pain is reduced you will feel more comfortable going about your daily life, but you should continue with all other diabetes medicines as prescribed. This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective.show moreshow less

Side effects of Tegrital Oral Suspension

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Tegrital

DizzinessNauseaVomitingConstipationSleepinessAbnormality of voluntary movements

How to use Tegrital Oral Suspension

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Tegrital Suspension may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Tegrital Oral Suspension works

Tegrital Suspension is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Safety advice

AlcoholUNSAFETegrital Suspension may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTORTegrital Suspension is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor. Breast feedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBEDTegrital Suspension is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.DrivingUNSAFETegrital Suspension may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTORThere is limited information available on the use of Tegrital Suspension in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTORThere is limited information available on the use of Tegrital Suspension in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Tegrital Oral Suspension?

If you miss a dose of Tegrital Suspension, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Quick tips

Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures. Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you. Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
Practice yoga every day.Get enough sleep at nighttime.Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.Take your medication on time. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you. Your doctor may get regular tests done to monitor the level of blood cells in your blood while taking this medication.  Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts. Inform your doctor if you notice a rash or other skin changes such as reddish spot or circular patches while taking this medicine. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Fact Box

Chemical ClassIminostilbene DerivativeHabit FormingNoTherapeutic ClassNEURO CNSAction ClassSodium channel modulators (AED)

FAQs

Q. How quickly does Tegrital Suspension start working?

Your symptoms may take 1-2 weeks to improve. However, in some cases, it may take even longer. Consult your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if you have any doubts regarding your condition.

Q. Is Tegrital Suspension an analgesic? What is it used for?

No, Tegrital Suspension is not an analgesic and should not be used for regular aches or pains. It is an anti-epileptic medicine which is used to treat fits (seizures). It is also used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (intense facial nerve pain). In addition to that, Tegrital Suspension is used to control mood disorders when other medicines fail to work.

Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Tegrital Suspension?

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including medicines for epilepsy or seizures, medicines used to thin your blood (e.g., warfarin), medicines to control bacterial infection (e.g., chloramphenicol, metronidazole and doxycycline) and medicines to control viral infection (e.g., nelfinavir). Also, let your doctor know if you take asthma medicines (e.g., theophylline and montelukast), birth control pills, etc. It is important to tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Further, you should tell the doctor if you have ever had liver problems, kidney problems, lung problems or porphyria (a rare blood pigment disorder).

Q. What are the long-term effects of Tegrital Suspension?

The long-term side effects of Tegrital Suspension vary from person to person. While some people can take Tegrital Suspension safely for several years, some may develop side effects on using it for long term. These side effects include osteoporosis and osteopenia in which the bones become weak and can get easily fractured. Therefore, if you have been prescribed Tegrital Suspension for a long term, get your bone density checked at regular intervals, maintain a healthy diet and exercise daily.

Q. What should I avoid while taking Tegrital Suspension?

Tegrital Suspension may make you sleepy or you may feel dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided since taking both together may cause excessive sleepiness.

Q. How do I stop taking Tegrital Suspension?

You should stop Tegrital Suspension only after consulting your doctor. It is advised to gradually decrease the dose of Tegrital Suspension so that the condition for which you are taking it does not recur.

Q. How can I look for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions?

Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with your doctor as scheduled. Call your doctor as needed, especially if you are worried about any symptoms.

Q. Can the use of Tegrital Suspension lead to weight gain? If yes, how can it be managed?

Yes, Tegrital Suspension causes weight gain as a common side effect. This could be due to an increase in appetite. You can manage your weight by eating a healthy diet, consuming low calorie food and including more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Also, regular physical exercise will be very helpful.

Q. Can the use of Tegrital Suspension affect my sex life?

Though rare but Tegrital Suspension may cause decreased sexual desire. It may also impair male fertility as it may reduce sperm count and/or motility. Consult your doctor if you develop these symptoms.

Q. I am taking Tegrital Suspension for trigeminal neuralgia. For how long do I need to take it?

Once the medicine relieves your pain, talk to your doctor who will gradually reduce your dose. Tegrital Suspension can be possibly stopped if there is no recurrence of pain after taking the reduced dose for several weeks.

Q. How can I reduce the side effects of Tegrital Suspension?

Side effects of Tegrital Suspension can be reduced by starting it at a low dose. The doctor may gradually increase the dose, until an effective dose is reached.

Q. When should I go for a laboratory test when taking this medicine?

Before starting treatment with Tegrital Suspension, your doctor may ask you to get regular blood tests, liver function test, and in some cases, even a urine test. You may need to take these tests from time to time during your treatment. This is quite usual and nothing to worry about.Show moreShow less