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Carbamazepine

 

Indications:

For partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
   
Dosage: Adult: Usual max. daily dose 1200 mg/day

Children (6-12yo):Usual max. daily dose 1000mg/day
   
Special Attention: Check with the doctor if 

1. Concurrently taking Cimetidine (e.g.Tagamet), Clarithromycin (e.g.Biaxn), Diltiazem (e.g.Cardizem), Erythromycin (e.g.E-Mycin, Erythrocin, Ilosone), Propoxyphene (e.g. Darvon), Verapamil (e.g.Calan), Fluvoxamine (e.g., Luvox), Isoniazid (e.g., INH), Itraconazole (e.g., Sporanox), Ketoconazole (e.g., Nizoral), Risperidone (e.g., Risperdal)

2. You have Problems with urination (Carbamazepine may make the condition worse), Diabetes mellitus (Carbamazepine may cause increased urine glucose levels), Anemia or other blood problems or Behavioral problems or Glaucoma or Heart or blood vessel disease
   
Special Precaution: Some people who take carbamazepine may become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally. Such that even brief periods of exposure time may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn.
  • Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
  • Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
  • Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. A higher SPF number maybe needed in fair complexion.
  • Apply a sun block lipbalm that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
  • Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.

For diabetic patients:

  • Carbamazepine may affect urine sugar levels. Be especially careful when testing for sugar in your urine. If you notice a change in the results of your urine sugar tests or have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
   
Special Instruction: Carbamazepine suspension and tablets (except for extended release capsuls) should be taken with meals to lessen the chance of stomach upset (nausea and vomiting). Extended release capsules should not be crushed or chewed.
   
Common Side Effects: Clumsiness or unsteadiness; dizziness (mild); drowsiness (mild); lightheadedness; nausea or vomiting (mild)
   
Rare Side Effects: Aching joints or muscles; constipation; diarrhea; dryness of mouth; headache; increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight (skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of skin, or severe sunburn); increased sweating; irritation or soreness of tongue or mouth; loss of appetite; loss of hair; sexual problems in males; stomach pain or discomfort
   
SEE the doctor if: Blurred vision or double vision; continuous back-and-forth eye movements; Behavioral changes (especially in children); confusion, agitation, or hostility (especially in the elderly); diarrhea (severe); headache (continuing); increase in seizures; nausea and vomiting (severe); skin rash, hives, or itching; unusual drowsiness; A severe reaction from the sun 
   
Comments: 1.The liquid preparation is absorbed faster than tablets and may require small frequent doses throughout the day to maintain effective blood levels.

2. Blood level monitoring is sometimes useful, blood samples being taken before next dose is due.

 

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Information here is specific for Carbamazepine

and is meant to be an add-on for Special concern in AED taking