Carbamazepine may exacerbate absence and myoclonic seizures. Therefore, if complex partial seizures are diagnosed on the basis of the history and the episodes increase after carbamazepine is started, one possibility is that the patient actually has absence seizures. EEG testing should be undertaken to classify the seizure type.

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 should not be taken by anyone who:*

• is allergic to carbamazepine or to any ingredients of the tablets
• is allergic to tricyclic compounds such as amitriptyline, trimipramine, or imipramine
• has liver disease
• has a history of acute intermittent porphyria
• has a history of hyponatremia
• has a serious blood disorder
• has a history of bone marrow depression
• has taken an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days or will take one within the next 14 days
• has certain kinds of heart rhythm disturbances (AV block)

*Information adapted from www.HealthyOntario.com, accessed Aug. 12, 2003.

Last Revised: 12/14/07