Nictal 150mg Tablet IR
Prescription Required
Product introduction
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR is used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures). However, it cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to prevent seizures for as long as you continue to take the medicine.
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. 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. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit. It usually takes a couple of weeks to work. It is important to take this medicine regularly and for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing doses may trigger seizures and, if you stop, your condition may get worse. It should never be stopped suddenly.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, feeling dizzy, tired or drowsy, unsteadiness, and low sodium levels in blood. Most of these are not serious. Keep taking the medicine but talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. However, if you notice a skin rash or redness, tell your doctor straight away. It could develop into a life-threatening skin condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) and increase your risk of breaking a bone. Anticonvulsants like this medicine may cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If your mood becomes depressed, tell your doctor.
This medicine may not be suitable for everybody. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. Drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can increase some of the side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures. You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor make sure you are taking the right dose both before you start and while you are using it.
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. 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. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit. It usually takes a couple of weeks to work. It is important to take this medicine regularly and for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing doses may trigger seizures and, if you stop, your condition may get worse. It should never be stopped suddenly.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, feeling dizzy, tired or drowsy, unsteadiness, and low sodium levels in blood. Most of these are not serious. Keep taking the medicine but talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. However, if you notice a skin rash or redness, tell your doctor straight away. It could develop into a life-threatening skin condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) and increase your risk of breaking a bone. Anticonvulsants like this medicine may cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If your mood becomes depressed, tell your doctor.
This medicine may not be suitable for everybody. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. Drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can increase some of the side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures. You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor make sure you are taking the right dose both before you start and while you are using it.
Uses of Nictal Tablet IR
Benefits of Nictal Tablet IR
In Epilepsy/Seizures
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that 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.
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.
Side effects of Nictal Tablet IR
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 Nictal
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Tremors
- Vertigo
- Drowsiness
- Abnormality of voluntary movements
- Abnormal gait
- Visual disturbance
- Increased sodium level in blood
How to use Nictal Tablet IR
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Nictal Tablet IR works
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR 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
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Baby should be monitored for excessive sleepiness and weight gain.
Baby should be monitored for excessive sleepiness and weight gain.
Driving
UNSAFE
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may make you feel sleepy or dizzy, or may cause blurred vision, lack of muscle coordination, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. This may affect your driving ability.
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may make you feel sleepy or dizzy, or may cause blurred vision, lack of muscle coordination, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. This may affect your driving ability.
Kidney
CAUTION
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Nictal 150mg Tablet IR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Dose adjustment is not recommended in patients with mild to moderate liver disease.
Dose adjustment is not recommended in patients with mild to moderate liver disease.
What if you forget to take Nictal Tablet IR?
If you miss a dose of Nictal 150mg Tablet IR, 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.\n
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
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.
- It may increase the risk of low sodium levels in the blood. Inform your doctor if you develop difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness.
- Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Iminostilbene Derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
NEURO CNS
Action Class
Sodium channel modulators (AED)
Patient concerns
FAQs
Does the use of Nictal 150mg Tablet IR affect weight?
Yes, Nictal 150mg Tablet IR affects weight and may cause weight gain. However, in some cases, weight loss has also been reported. Consult a dietician and follow a diet plan to maintain your weight.
What are the advantages of Nictal 150mg Tablet IR over carbamazepine?
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR has fewer side effects as compared to carbamazepine. Moreover, Nictal 150mg Tablet IR can be started with a clinically effective dose as against carbamazepine which may require frequent visits to the doctor before an effective dose can be decided based on the patient’s response to the treatment.
How can I watch for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions?
You should pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings. Be aware of common warning signs that might be a signal for risk of suicide. Some of these include talking or thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life, withdrawing from friends and family, becoming depressed or worsening your depression. Keep your appointment with your doctor on schedule, do not miss. Stay connected with the doctor even between visits.
When and how should I take Nictal 150mg Tablet IR?
Take Nictal 150mg Tablet IR exactly as directed by your doctor. It is recommended that you take it twice every day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Nictal 150mg Tablet IR can be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at the same time each day to gain maximum benefit. It will also help you remember when to take it.
For how long do I need to take Nictal 150mg Tablet IR. Can I stop taking it on my own?
You should take your medicine for the time and duration prescribed by your doctor. Nictal 150mg Tablet IR helps to control your epilepsy but does not cure it. You must take this medicine every day, even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Nictal 150mg Tablet IR or lower the dose yourself. Stopping your medicine suddenly or lowering the dose may cause seizures. Consult your doctor who may reduce the dose gradually before stopping it completely.
Will the use of Nictal 150mg Tablet IR affect my fertility?
Nictal 150mg Tablet IR is not know to affect fertility in males or females. However, talk to your doctor if you are facing fertility issues while taking this medicine.
Does Nictal 150mg Tablet IR cause hair loss?
Yes, Nictal 150mg Tablet IR causes hair loss as a common side effect. However, it does not affect everyone. If there is substantial hair loss, consult your doctor.
Who should not take Nictal 150mg Tablet IR?
You should not take Nictal 150mg Tablet IR if you are allergic to Nictal 150mg Tablet IR, eslicarbazepine or to any of their components. Also, pregnant women and women who take birth control pills should avoid Nictal 150mg Tablet IR. Along with that, people having severe liver or kidney disease and people with a psychiatric disorder should avoid taking Nictal 150mg Tablet IR.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
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- Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Antiseizure Drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 406-407.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1037-38.
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- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Oxcarbazepine. [Updated 2020 Jan 20]. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from:
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Marketer details
Name: Ipca Laboratories Ltd
Address: 142 AB, Kandivli Industrial Estate, Kandivli (West), Mumbai - 400 067, Maharashtra
Country of origin: India
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