Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with
the NHS website.
|
|
|
Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything
from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit.
You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website,
or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.
|
About CarbamazepineNHS medicines information on carbamazepine - what it's used for and key facts.Carbamazepine is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It can also be taken for nerve pain caused by diabetes (peripheral neuropathy) or if you have a painful condition of the face called trigeminal neuralgia. Carbamazepine is occasionally used to treat bipolar disorder when other medicines have not worked. This medicine is only available on prescription. It comes as standard and slow-release tablets, a liquid that you drink and suppositories (medicine that you push gently into your anus). ImportantThe brand Carbagen has been discontinued. If you are currently taking Carbagen, contact your doctor for a different brand to be prescribed. Updated: 28 September 2020 Key facts- It usually takes a couple of weeks for carbamazepine to work.
- Common side effects of carbamazepine include feeling sleepy, feeling dizzy, headaches and feeling or being sick. These are usually mild and go away by themselves.
- When taking carbamazepine for epilepsy, it's best to stick to the same brand. If your usual brand is not available, talk to your doctor.
- Drinking alcohol while taking carbamazepine may make you feel sleepy or tired. It's best to stop drinking alcohol for the first few days, until you see how the medicine affects you.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice if you're taking carbamazepine. It increases the amount of carbamazepine in your body and increases the risk of side effects.
|
OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | |
|
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.
|