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Anticonvulsant, second-line treatment (NICE) in BPAD propylaxis.
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Side effects
- nausea
- headache
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- ataxia
- confusion
- nystagmus
- diplopia
- less sodium
- less white cells - blood dyscrasias and agranulocytosis (patients need to report signs of infection)
- itchy erythematous rash in 5% of cases (stop drug if risk of, Stevens Johnson syndrome)
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Teratogen.
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Liver CYP450 inducer- caution with other drugs e.g. warfarin, oral contraception.
Treatments > Biological > Medication > Carbamazapine