Carbamazepine

Question 1

Drug Class

Answer 1

Antiepileptics

Question 2

Active

Answer 2

Carbamazepine

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

• Epilepsy
  • Simple and complex partial (focal) seizures
  • Generalised tonic-clonic seizures
• Trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgias
• Acute mania and prevention of Bipolar Disorders
• Neuropathic pain

Question 4

Dose Range

Answer 4

400mg-1.2g daily (M=2g d);

initially 100mg daily and increase 100- 200mg every 2-4 weeks

Question 5

SE’s

Answer 5

• Drowsiness
• dizziness
• headache (dose-related)
• ataxia
• visual disturbances
• rash
• dry mouth
• anorexia
• n/v
• hyponatraemia
• leucopenia, thrombocytopenia

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome - Severe skin reaction (RARE)

Question 6

Counselling

Answer 6

Labels: A, B, 5, 9, 12+, 13, 18

• Take with food to help prevent stomach upset.
• Swallow controlled release tablets whole; do not chew or crush them.
• Do not lie down for 15-30min after taking to avoid throat irritation.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly unless your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision especially at the start of treatment or when the dose is increased; if affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
• Carbamazepine may also increase the effects of alcohol.
• This medicine interacts with grapefruit juice and many other drugs; avoid grapefruit juice and tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking carbamazepine before starting any new medication including herbal and over-the-counter products.

Question 7

Monitoring

Answer 7

• Complete blood count (before treatment)
• Skin reactions
• BMD (vit D and calcium supplement can help prevent osteomalcia and osteoporosis in long term treatment)