ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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).
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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 ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER, 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.
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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.
In Trigeminal neuralgia
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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 Epilepsy/Seizures
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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.
Side effects of ZEN Tablet ER
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 ZEN
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Sleepiness
Abnormality of voluntary movements
How to use ZEN Tablet ER
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. ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How ZEN Tablet ER works
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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 feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take ZEN Tablet ER?
If you miss a dose of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER, 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.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
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 Class
Iminostilbene Derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
NEURO CNS
Action Class
Sodium channel modulators (AED)
Patient concerns
There has been 5-6 years I am suffering from trigeminal neuralgia. Two years ago I went manipal hospital ,bengalore for treatment. After examination they prescribed two medicine, one is zen retard 200 and the other one is ellewell 10 mg. I use these medicine regularly but day by day the pain is unbearable.
Discovered epilepsy in 1991 in my first EEG at the age of 17 years (26 years ago); Taking 400 mg CarbaMazepine CR (Zen Retard) twice a day. The medicines have COMPLETELY CONTROLLED epilepsy, but an associated loss of memory and recall abilities is a constant problem. Also perpetual confusion and going blank have played havoc. Please advise.
What were the side-effects while using ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER?
Sleepiness
33%
Dizziness
17%
Drowsiness
17%
No Side Effec*
17%
Skin rash
8%
*No Side Effect
How do you take ZEN Tablet ER?
With food
100%
Please rate ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER on price
Average
67%
Not Expensive
24%
Expensive
10%
FAQs
How quickly does ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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.
Is ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER an analgesic? What is it used for?
No, ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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, ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER is used to control mood disorders when other medicines fail to work.
What should I tell my doctor before taking ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER?
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).
What are the long-term effects of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER?
The long-term side effects of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER vary from person to person. While some people can take ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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 ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER for a long term, get your bone density checked at regular intervals, maintain a healthy diet and exercise daily.
What should I avoid while taking ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER?
ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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.
How do I stop taking ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER?
You should stop ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER only after consulting your doctor. It is advised to gradually decrease the dose of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER so that the condition for which you are taking it does not recur.
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.
Can the use of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER lead to weight gain? If yes, how can it be managed?
Yes, ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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.
Can the use of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER affect my sex life?
Though rare but ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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.
I am taking ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER 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. ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER can be possibly stopped if there is no recurrence of pain after taking the reduced dose for several weeks.
How can I reduce the side effects of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER?
Side effects of ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER can be reduced by starting it at a low dose. The doctor may gradually increase the dose, until an effective dose is reached.
When should I go for a laboratory test when taking this medicine?
Before starting treatment with ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER, 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.
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
Stahl SM, editor. Carbamazepine. In: Stahl's Essential Pschopharmacology: Prescriber's Guide. 5th ed. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press; 2014. pp. 105-110.
McNamara JO. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 594-95.
Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Antiseizure Drugs. Sedative-Hypnotic 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. 405-406.
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. 197-201.
Carbamazepine. East Hanover, New Jersey: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2018. [Accessed 19 Jun. 2019] (online) Available from:
Carbamazepine. Hoofddorp, The Netherlands: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Europe B.V.; 2019. [Accessed 06 Feb. 2019] (online) Available from:
Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198. [Accessed 20 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 20 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Carbamazepine [Drug Label]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2009. [Accessed 25 Jul. 2024] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Address: Chinubhai Centre, Off. Nehru Bridge, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380009. Gujarat. India.
Country of origin: India Expires on or after: October, 2025
A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.
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