Rashes that may be very serious are more likely to occur in persons with a particular gene called “HLA-B*1502”. This gene occurs almost exclusively in patients with ancestry across broad areas of Asia, including South Asian Indians. Patients with ancestry from these areas should have a blood test by their physician to see if they have the “HLA-B*1502” gene before starting treatment.

Carbamazepine may worsen absence seizures or myoclonic seizures. People who have seizures of those types should not use it.

People with liver disease and those who must take certain other types of medicines may need to be more cautious than others about taking carbamazepine. Most of them can take it successfully, however, if they work with the doctor to determine the correct amount to take. That is why it is so important to make sure the doctor knows about any liver disease and about every kind of medicine you are taking.

Last Revised: 12/14/07