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Carbamazapine

• Anticonvulsant, second-line treatment (NICE) in BPAD propylaxis.

 

• 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)

 

• Teratogen.

 

• Liver CYP450 inducer- caution with other drugs e.g. warfarin, oral contraception.