What is carbamazepine used for?
carbamazepine is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Focal epilepsy (evidence tier A), Trigeminal neuralgia (evidence tier A), Bipolar disorder (evidence tier B). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
What are the side effects of carbamazepine?
Common side effects of carbamazepine (≥ 1 in 100): Dizziness, ataxia, drowsiness, Nausea, vomiting, Hyponatremia (SIADH), Mild leukopenia, Rash, Diplopia at peak levels. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Is carbamazepine safe during pregnancy?
FDA category D. FDA category D. Increases risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida, 1%), cleft palate, congenital heart defects, hypospadias. Women of reproductive age receive concomitant folic acid 4–5 mg daily. When possible, alternative antiepileptics (levetiracetam, lamotrigine) are used. Decision made jointly with neurologist and obstetrician.
Is carbamazepine compatible with breastfeeding?
Passes into breast milk at 25–60% of maternal plasma concentration. LactMed lists carbamazepine as generally compatible with breastfeeding under infant monitoring (sedation, vomiting, jaundice).
Who should not take carbamazepine?
carbamazepine is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, tricyclic antidepressants; Atrioventricular block; History of bone marrow depression; Acute intermittent porphyria; Combination with MAO inhibitors (14 days before and after therapy). Full list in the Safety section.
Does carbamazepine carry an FDA boxed warning?
FDA boxed warning: risk of aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis (approximately 5–8 times higher than general population). Additional warning: serious dermatologic reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, especially in HLA-B*15:02 allele carriers. Genetic testing is recommended in patients of Asian ancestry before initiation.
carbamazepine is the safest antiepileptic
effective but requires regular monitoring of blood, liver, and plasma level. Risk of severe cutaneous reactions in HLA-B*15:02 carriers and teratogenicity in pregnancy.
finlepsin helps any nerve problem
not used for anxiety or neurotic disorders. Registered indications are epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, bipolar disorder.
carbamazepine has no drug interactions
one of the strongest CYP3A4 inducers. Reduces effectiveness of oral contraceptives, warfarin, many antibiotics, and immunosuppressants.