ZEN 200 Tablet

ZEN 200 Tablet is a prescription tablet that contains carbamazepine 200 mg in each tablet. It belongs to the anticonvulsant class and is used to help control certain seizure disorders. ZEN 200 Tablet is also used for some nerve pain conditions and, in some patients, for other doctor-directed uses such as trigeminal neuralgia or bipolar disorder. The exact dose and schedule should be based on the condition being treated and the person’s response.

How it works: Carbamazepine works by calming overly active nerve signals in the brain and along painful nerves. As a tablet, ZEN 200 Tablet is swallowed and then absorbed to help keep symptoms under control over the dosing interval.

ZEN 200 Tablet is a standard immediate-release strength, not the extended-release ZEN Retard 400 Tablet ER. Because it is the 200 mg tablet, it is often used when a doctor wants more flexible dose adjustment, especially when starting, increasing, or dividing doses through the day. A doctor may choose ZEN 200 Tablet when smaller dose steps are needed than with a 400 mg extended-release tablet.

• Partial seizures
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Other nerve pain conditions as prescribed
• Bipolar disorder maintenance as directed

• Swallow ZEN 200 Tablet with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew unless your prescriber says it is safe to do so.
• Take it at the same times each day to keep blood levels steady.
• If it upsets your stomach, taking it with food may help.
• Do not stop ZEN 200 Tablet suddenly unless your doctor tells you to, because seizures or symptoms can worsen.
• Follow the exact dose schedule your doctor gives you; this tablet strength is often adjusted gradually.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up.

Each ZEN 200 Tablet provides carbamazepine 200 mg. It may be taken once daily or in divided doses depending on the condition and the patient, but many people need multiple doses per day because this is not the extended-release form. There is no single maximum daily dose for everyone; the doctor sets the dose and may increase it slowly based on response and blood tests.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Carbamazepine may include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Unsteadiness or poor coordination
• More side effects can happen at this 200 mg tablet strength when the dose is increased too quickly

• Do not use ZEN 200 Tablet if you have a history of bone marrow suppression or serious carbamazepine allergy unless a specialist specifically directs it.
• This medicine can cause sleepiness and slowed reactions; use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Avoid alcohol because it can worsen dizziness, drowsiness, and poor coordination.
• Tell your prescriber if you have heart rhythm problems, liver disease, kidney disease, or a history of low blood counts.
• Carbamazepine can interact with many medicines, so provide a full medication list including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• Do not take extra doses to make up for missed tablets, and do not stop suddenly without medical advice.
• If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, speak with your doctor before using ZEN 200 Tablet.

• Warfarin
• Oral contraceptives
• Erythromycin or clarithromycin
• Grapefruit juice
• Other seizure medicines or sedatives

Store ZEN 200 Tablet at room temperature in its original strip or box, away from moisture, heat, and light.