Free tool
Can I eat this with Carbamazepine?
Grapefruit increases carbamazepine levels and side effects; alcohol adds to drowsiness and dizziness.
Also sold as Arbil MR, Carbagen, Carbagen SR, Curatil Prolonged Release, Epimaz, Epimaz Retard, Tegretol Prolonged Release, Teril Retard. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 48 foods and drinks for Carbamazepine (11 to avoid, 29 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Carbamazepine with food?
- Medication should be taken with meals.
- Can I drink grapefruit juice with Carbamazepine?
- No, avoid it. Do not drink it while taking carbamazepine as it can increase your chance of side effects.
- Can I eat grapefruit with Carbamazepine?
- No, avoid it. Do not eat it while taking carbamazepine as it can increase your chance of side effects.
- Can I drink alcohol with Carbamazepine?
- Yes, with care. It's best not to drink it as it may affect you more than usual and add to drowsiness.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Grapefruit increases carbamazepine levels and side effects; alcohol adds to drowsiness and dizziness.
Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking carbamazepine as it can increase your chance of side effects. Alcohol may affect you more than usual because it can add to drowsiness and dizziness. Take your medicine with meals if advised.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Medication should be taken with meals.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Foods to avoid with Carbamazepine· 11
Take care with Carbamazepine· 29
Fine with Carbamazepine· 8
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Carbamazepine
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
Carbamazepine: medicine to treat epilepsy, facial pain and bipolar disorder
NHS medicines information about carbamazepine – what it's used for, side effects, dosage and who can take it.
US FDA drug label
US FDA drug label: Carbamazepine
The official US prescribing information for Carbamazepine, including how food, drink and other medicines affect it.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Carbamazepine guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Carbamazepine
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.
Medicines with similar food rules
Affected by the same foods as Carbamazepine.