Description
PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Degranol is an anticonvulsant medicine with psychotropic properties used to treat epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic nerve pain and as an adjunct to certain pain medications. 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).
Degranol tablets can 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.
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 Degranol tablets 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.
USES OF DEGRANOL TABLETS
- Epilepsy/Seizures
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Diabetic nerve pain
BENEFITS OF DEGRANOL TABLETS
In Epilepsy/Seizures
Degranol tablets work 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.
In Trigeminal neuralgia
Degranol tablets 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.
In Diabetic nerve pain
Degranol tablets relieve 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.
SIDE EFFECTS OF DEGRANOL TABLETS
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 Degranol
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Abnormality of voluntary movements
HOW TO USE DEGRANOL TABLETS
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. Degranol tablets may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW DEGRANOL TABLETS WORK
Degranol is an anticonvulsant medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Degranol tablets may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Degranol tablets are 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
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Degranol tablets are safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Degranol tablets 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 Degranol tablets in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Degranol tablets in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
