Carbamazepine

Question 1

What drug class is Carbamazepine?

Answer 1

Anti-epileptic drug - sodium channel blocker

Question 2

What are the common indications for Carbamazepine?

Answer 2

• Epilepsy
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of Carbamazepine?

Answer 3

Blocks sodium channels in central neurones - slows recovery of neurones from the inactive to closed state so reduced neuronal transmission

Question 4

What are the common adverse reactions of Carbamazepine?

Answer 4

Specific

• Suicidal thoughts
• Joint pain
• Bone marrow failure, anaemia, thrombocytopenia

Vague:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Osteoporosis
• Rashes e.g. Steven Johnson syndrome

Question 5

What are the common drug-drug interactions of Carbamazepine?

Answer 5

• It’s a CYP inducer, so decreases the plasma concentration of some drugs e.g. oral contraceptives, DOACs
• With thiazide diuretics - risk of hyponatraemia