Carbamazepine
NOT for absence, atonic or myoclonic seizures - may cause exacerbations
| Uses: | focal seizures, trigeminal neuralgia |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | ?Na channel blockade = ↓ glutamate release; ↓ dopamine + noradrenaline turnover |
| Dose | |
| Pharmacokinetics | Absorption PO Distribution PO: peak in 12h. 70-80% protein bound. Metabolism liver. Elimination t½ 36h |
| Time course of action | Peak plasma in 12h |
| Adverse effects | - antagonise effects of non-depolarising muscle relaxants (!) - p450 inducer |
| Contraindications | - pregnancy - atrioventricular block - bone marrow depression - hepatic porphyrias, acute porphyria - with MAOIs |