Carbamazepine

Definition

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine. In the United States, carbamazepine is sold under the trade names Tegretol and Carbatrol.

Purpose

Carbamazepine is effective in the treatment of psychomotor and grand mal seizures and a type of facial pain called trigeminal neuralgia and, in combination with other drugs, for psychiatric disorders such as mania and extreme aggression. Carbamazepine is also occasionally used to control pain in persons with cancer.