Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using carbamazepine as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Carbamazepine use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with carbamazepine, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
- Using sunscreens and protective clothing, when getting out in the sun, can help prevent any photosensitive responses from developing.
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Carbamazepine carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to carbamazepine intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- Carbamazepine intake also carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias, leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
