Control secondarily generalized tonic-clonic & partial seizures & in some primary generalized seizures. Treatment of trigeminal & glossopharyngeal neuralgia, severe pain syndromes associated w/ neurological disorders eg, tabes dorsalis & multiple sclerosis. Prophylaxis of bipolar disorders unresponsive to lithium.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Epilepsy Initially, 100-200 mg once or bid gradually increased by increments of 100-200 mg every 2 wk to a usual maintenance dose of 0.8-1.2 g daily in divided doses. Childn 10-20 mg/kg daily in divided doses. Trigeminal neuralgia Initially, 100 mg once or bid increased gradually as necessary. Maintenance: 400-800 mg daily in 2-4 divided doses. Prophylaxis of bipolar disorder Initially, 400 mg daily in divided doses, increased gradually to a max of 1.6 g daily. Maintenance: 400-600 mg daily.
Administration
Should be taken with food: Avoid grapefruit juice.
Contraindications
AV conduction abnormalities. History of bone marrow depression.
Special Precautions
History of blood diorders or hematological reactions to other drugs. Cardiac, hepatic or renal disease. Discontinue if leukopenia develops. Blood counts, hepatic & renal function tests should be performed before start of therapy. Mixed seizure disorders. Glaucoma.
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