Partid 200 contains carbamazepine 200 mg, an anticonvulsant. It controls epilepsy, treats trigeminal neuralgia, and is used as a mood stabiliser in bipolar disorder. It interacts with a great many other medicines, and any rash must be reported immediately.
What is Partid 200?
Partid 200 contains carbamazepine 200 mg. It is a Schedule 4 medicine, and the same ingredient is sold as Tegretol, Degranol and Epileptol.
Carbamazepine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels on nerve cells. Nerves fire by letting sodium rush in; carbamazepine holds those channels shut for longer after each firing, so a nerve that is firing repeatedly and abnormally is quietened while normal signalling continues largely unaffected.
That single action explains its three quite different uses. Epilepsy involves excessive synchronised nerve firing. Trigeminal neuralgia involves a facial nerve firing in violent bursts. Bipolar disorder responds to the same stabilising effect on neuronal excitability.
Two things make carbamazepine distinctive in practice, and both matter more than with most medicines.
It induces liver enzymes — it speeds up the system that breaks down other drugs, including its own. That means it interacts with an unusually long list of medicines, reducing their effectiveness. The contraceptive pill is the example that catches people out most often.
It carries a genetically linked risk of severe skin reactions, which is why any rash needs immediate attention.
What is Partid 200 commonly used for?
- Epilepsy — particularly focal (partial) seizures and generalised tonic-clonic seizures. It is a long-established first-line option.
- Trigeminal neuralgia, where carbamazepine is the treatment of choice and often dramatically effective.
- Bipolar disorder, as a mood stabiliser, particularly where lithium is unsuitable.
- Some other neuropathic pain, in selected cases.
- Alcohol withdrawal, in some settings.
Trigeminal neuralgia deserves particular mention because carbamazepine works so well for it. The condition causes sudden, severe, electric-shock-like facial pain, often triggered by touch, chewing or cold air. Ordinary painkillers do almost nothing; carbamazepine frequently transforms it. If you have been given this for facial pain, that is why.
For epilepsy, consistency is the whole thing. Seizure control depends on a steady level in the body: take it at the same times daily, do not skip doses, and do not run out. Missed doses are a recognised cause of breakthrough seizures.
Carbamazepine is not suitable for all seizure types. It can worsen absence and myoclonic seizures — which is why the diagnosis matters and why you should not take someone else’s anticonvulsant.
How Partid 200 fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium channel blockers | Carbamazepine (Partid), lamotrigine, phenytoin | Focal and generalised seizures; neuralgia |
| Gabapentinoids | Pregabalin (Lybet, Nurika) | Nerve pain, epilepsy, anxiety |
| Benzodiazepines | Clobazam (Urbanol), clonazepam (Rivotril) | Add-on in epilepsy; short-term anxiety |
| Mood stabilisers | Lithium, valproate | Bipolar disorder |
| Tricyclics | Amitriptyline | Nerve pain, migraine prevention |
See the mental health and neurology medicines hub.
What to check before using Partid 200
Tell every prescriber and pharmacist that you take carbamazepine. The interaction list is long, and this is the check that matters most day to day.
Carbamazepine reduces the effectiveness of, among others:
- The contraceptive pill, patch, ring and implant. This is the interaction most often missed, and it has caused unintended pregnancies. Additional or alternative contraception is needed — discuss this specifically.
- Warfarin and some direct anticoagulants.
- Some HIV medicines, and some antibiotics and antifungals.
- Other anticonvulsants, and some antidepressants and antipsychotics.
- Corticosteroids, and statins.
Tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you:
- Are of Han Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Filipino or other Southeast Asian ancestry. The gene variant **HLA-B*1502 is far more common in these groups and is strongly associated with severe skin reactions to carbamazepine. Testing before starting is recommended**, and is worth asking about directly.
- Have a heart conduction problem, or a history of bone marrow suppression.
- Have liver or kidney disease.
- Have glaucoma.
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Carbamazepine carries a risk of birth defects, so this needs planning well in advance — never simply stop on discovering a pregnancy, since uncontrolled seizures also carry risk.
- Are breastfeeding.
- Are older.
Expect blood tests — full blood count, liver function, sodium and sometimes carbamazepine levels.
Follow the dispensing label exactly. This page does not set doses.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Any rash needs reporting the same day. Carbamazepine is one of the medicines most associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis — rare, but among the most serious drug reactions there are. Stop the tablet and seek medical help immediately for a rash that blisters or peels, sores in the mouth, eyes or genitals, or a rash with fever and swollen glands. Do not wait to see whether it settles.
Do not stop abruptly, particularly for epilepsy — withdrawal can trigger seizures, including prolonged ones. Any change is gradual and supervised.
Low sodium (hyponatraemia) is common with carbamazepine, more so in older adults. Report confusion, headache, nausea, marked tiredness or unsteadiness.
Blood count effects. Report a sore throat, fever, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding, or persistent tiredness.
Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness and double vision are common early and usually ease as the dose is built up slowly.
Mood changes and thoughts of self-harm are recognised with antiepileptic medicines and should be reported.
Never run out. Collect repeats before your supply ends.
Seek urgent medical attention for any rash, particularly one that blisters or peels; mouth, eye or genital sores; a rash with fever or swollen glands; a seizure that is longer or different from usual; confusion or marked drowsiness; fever with sore throat or mouth ulcers; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or double vision that does not settle.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Partid 200 used for? Epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder as a mood stabiliser. It contains carbamazepine 200 mg.
Is it the same as Tegretol? The active ingredient is the same — carbamazepine. The brand differs.
Does it affect the contraceptive pill? Yes, significantly. Carbamazepine reduces the effectiveness of the pill, patch, ring and implant. Additional or alternative contraception is needed — discuss this with your doctor.
Why does it need blood tests? To monitor blood counts, liver function and sodium, all of which carbamazepine can affect.
I have developed a rash. What should I do? Stop the tablet and contact a doctor the same day. Carbamazepine rashes can be severe, and a blistering rash or one with fever needs emergency care.
Can I stop taking it if I feel fine? No. Stopping abruptly can trigger seizures. Any change must be gradual and medically supervised.