Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine (pronounced: kar-ba-maz-e-peen) is a medication primarily used in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. It is not effective for absence seizures or myoclonic seizures. It is used in schizophrenia along with other medications and as a second-line agent in bipolar disorder. Carbamazepine appears to work as well as phenytoin and valproate.
Etymology
The name "Carbamazepine" is derived from the compound's structure, which is made up of a carbamoyl moiety (NH2CO-) and an azepine ring (a seven-membered heterocyclic chemical compound with one nitrogen atom replacing a carbon atom).
Usage
Carbamazepine is typically used for the treatment of seizure disorders and neuropathic pain. It is also used as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia and for bipolar disorder.
Side Effects
Common side effects of carbamazepine include nausea and drowsiness. Serious side effects may include skin rashes, decreased bone marrow function, suicidal thoughts, or confusion. It should not be used in those with a history of bone marrow problems.
Related Terms
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Neuropathic pain: Pain caused by damage or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system.
- Schizophrenia: A long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion.
- Bipolar disorder: A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carbamazepine
- Wikipedia's article - Carbamazepine
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