Carbamazepine

An antiepileptic drug and mood stabilizer used for seizures, bipolar disorder, and nerve pain.

What is Carbamazepine?

Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic (anticonvulsant) medication that is also used as a mood stabilizer and for certain types of neuropathic pain.

It is especially effective in focal (partial) seizures.

History & Background

Carbamazepine was initially developed for trigeminal neuralgia and later became a cornerstone drug in epilepsy and bipolar disorder treatment.

Chemical Structure & Properties

• IUPAC name: 5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide
• Molecular formula: C₁₅H₁₂N₂O
• Molar mass: 236.27 g/mol
• Functional groups: Carboxamide, tricyclic ring system

Mechanism of Action

Carbamazepine controls seizures by:

• Blocking voltage-gated sodium channels
• Reducing repetitive neuronal firing
• Stabilizing hyperexcited nerve membranes

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Slow but good oral absorption
• Peak plasma time: 4–8 hours
• Half-life: 12–17 hours (after autoinduction)
• Metabolism: Liver (CYP3A4)
• Excretion: Urine

Medical Uses

• Partial (focal) seizures
• Generalized tonic–clonic seizures
• Bipolar disorder (mood stabilization)
• Trigeminal neuralgia

Dosage Guidelines

Adults: 400–1200 mg/day in divided doses

Therapeutic level: 4–12 µg/mL

⚠️ Blood level monitoring is recommended.

Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Double vision

Warnings & Precautions

• Risk of serious skin reactions (SJS/TEN)
• Monitor blood counts
• Avoid abrupt withdrawal

Drug Interactions

• Oral contraceptives
• Warfarin
• Other antiepileptics

Frequently Asked Questions

Is carbamazepine for epilepsy? – Yes.

Is it a mood stabilizer? – Yes.

Does it need blood tests? – Yes.

Is it safe long-term? – Yes, with monitoring.

⚠️ Educational content only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.