Carbamazepine

For details see literature in central nervous system.

Indications

Trigeminal neuralgia.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 100-200 mg once or twice daily, increasing slowly to Max. of 600-800 mg daily. Children: <1 yr: 100-200 mg, 1-5yr: 200-400 mg, 6-10 yr: 400-600 mg, 11-15 yr: 600-1000 mg(All per day in divided doses)

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity, A.V. block, bone marrow depression, porphyria.

Special Precautions

CVS disease, long standing hepatic/renal impairment, patients on MAOI or oral anticoagulants, change of treatment from carbamazepine to other antiepileptic drugs. Paediatrics: Reduced dose necessary. Pregnancy: May cause abnormalities in the foetus. Lactation: Use with caution. Elderly: Reduced dose necessary.

Side Effects

Fatal hepatitis, aplastic anaemia, rash, blurred vision, severe exfoliative dermatitis, drowsiness, ankle swelling, Stevens-Johnson's syndrome.

Drug Interactions

Carbamazepine may reduce the effect of anticoagulant drugs, failure of contraceptives when given along carbamazepine, cimetidine and verapamil increases the effect of carbamazepine.