Carbamazepine

Neurology

Neurology · Sodium-channel blocker

Carbamazepine

Dose

100–200 mg BD; increase weekly to 400–1200 mg/day. Trigeminal neuralgia: 100 mg BD titrated.

Use

Focal epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia.

Monitoring

FBC, LFTs, sodium (SIADH), levels 4–12 mg/L, HLA-B*1502 in South-East Asian patients.

Side effects

  • Hyponatraemia
  • Ataxia, diplopia
  • Leucopenia
  • SJS/TEN
  • Enzyme induction — many interactions

Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.

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