Carbazepine
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine (/ˌkɑːrbəˈmɛzɪpiːn/), also known by its trade name Tegretol, 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.
Etymology
The name "carbamazepine" is derived from the compound's structure, which consists of a carbamoyl group (NH2CO-) and an azepine ring (a seven-membered heterocyclic ring containing one nitrogen atom).
Pharmacology
Carbamazepine works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain. It is a sodium channel blocker that binds preferentially to voltage-gated sodium channels in their inactive conformation, which prevents repetitive and sustained firing of an action potential.
Side Effects
Common side effects of carbamazepine include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness. Serious side effects may include skin rashes, decreased bone marrow function, suicidal thoughts, or anaphylaxis.
Related Terms
- Anticonvulsant: A type of medication used to prevent seizures.
- Bipolar disorder: A mental disorder characterized by periods of depression and periods of elevated mood.
- Epilepsy: A group of neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures.
- Neuropathic pain: Pain caused by damage or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system.
- Schizophrenia: A mental disorder characterized by abnormal behavior, strange speech, and a decreased ability to understand reality.
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