In 5 to 10% of the cases carbamazepine causes fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, diplopia, nystagmus, nausea, exanthema and reversible leukopenia. These and other problems are partially dose related and often disappear even if carbamazepine is not totally withdrawn. The affect on the memory and on concentration is less important than with e.g. phenytoin.

Rare but dangerous complications are sometimes related to hypersensitivities. Cases of aplastic anemia, inadequate secretion of antidiuretics (ISADH), hepatitis, renal failure, systemic lupus erythematosus, exfoliative dermatitis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been observed.

Carbamazepine: Interactions

Carbamazepine is an enzyme inducer and can cause a multitude interactions. It can lead to a partial loss of efficiency of oral anticoagulants, doxycycline, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids and theophylline. In combination with monoamine-oxidase inhibitors there is a risk of arrhythmia! The effect of carbamazepine can be intensified with cimetidine, danazol, fluoxetine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin) and verapamil.

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