Drug Class Description
Dibenzazepines.Generic Name
GenericDrug Description
Tablets.Presentation
Tablets, carbamazepine 100mg , 200mg , 400mg . Available from APS, Cox, CP (Timonil RetardR ), Generics UK, Hillcross, Norton (EpimazR ).Indications
Prophylaxis of manic-depressive psychosis unresponsive to lithium.Adult Dosage
Initially 400mg daily in divided doses increasing gradually until symptoms controlled. Max 1.6g daily in divided doses. Usual range 400-600mg daily in divided doses.
Contra Indications
AV conduction abnormalities. History of bone marrow depression, porphyria.Special Precautions
Cardiac, hepatic or renal disease, glaucoma. History of haematological reactions to other drugs. Perform blood counts, liver function tests, urinalysis and BUN determinations before and regularly during treatment. Pregnancy, lactation. Avoid sudden withdrawal.
Interactions
Oral anticoagulants, MAOIs, combined oral contraceptives, erythromycin, doxycycline, isoniazid, cimetidine, dextropropoxyphene, calcium antagonists, viloxazine, steroids, cyclosporin, felodipine, imipramine, acetazolamide, thioridazine, frusemide (furosemide), hydrochlorothiazide, non- depolarising muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, lithium, benzodiazepines, methadone, theophylline, danazol, haloperidol, fluoxetine, alcohol.
Adverse Reactions
Dizziness, ataxia, headache, drowsiness, GI upset. Allergic skin reactions. Blood dyscrasias, oedema, hyponatraemia. Rarely, jaundice, hepatitis, multi-organ hypersensitivity disorder, acute renal failure, cardiac conduction disturbances, toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Also, alopecia, thromboembolism, arthralgia, fever, gynaecomastia, depression, impotence, impaired fertility.
Drug Availability
(POM)Updated
15 April 2009