Carbemazepine Flashcards
What is carbemazepine indicated for use in?
- Epilepsy
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Bipolar Disorder
What is the mechanism of action of carbamazepine?
Appears to inhibit neuronal sodium channels, stabilising resting membrane potentials and reducing neuronal excitability. This may inhibit spread of seizure activity in epilepsy, control neuralgic pain and stabilise mood in bipolar disorder
How does carbemazepine stabilise mood in bipolar disorder?
Reducing electrical kindling in the temporal lobe and limbic system
How does carbemazepine block pain with trigeminal neuralgia?
Blocks synaptic transmission in the trigeminal nucleus
What are important adverse side effects of carbemazepine?
- GI upset
- Dizziness
- Ataxia
- Hypersensitivity
- SJS/TEN
- Fever
- lymphadenopathy
- Oedema
- Hyponatraemia
What considerations do you need to take into account with regard to carbemazepine interacting with other drugs?
- Cytochrome P450 inducer
- Cytochrome P450 inducers increase its effects
What do you need to warn individuals with regards to taking carbemazepine?
Look out for:
- Skin rashes
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- High temp
- Mouth ulcers
- Reduced appetite/abdo pain
How would you monitor carbemazepine use?
Symptoms
What type of seizure is carbemazepine regarded as first line treatment for?
Focal Seizures
