Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using carbamazepine as follows:
Genitourinary side-effects
- Carbamazepine use can sometimes result in damage to the kidneys and individuals can present with compromised renal function, reduced urine formation, and increased retention of fluid, with edema and weight gain due to fluid retention. Individuals can also present with severe nausea and vomiting and altered levels of consciousness, secondary to reduced excretion in urine and increased accumulation of waste metabolites in the body.
Increased metabolism of medications
- Carbamazepine use also results in the induction of some enzymes, which leads to increased metabolism of various other drugs, such as, anticoagulants, antidepressants, many cardiovascular medications, and birth-control pills. Increased metabolism of these drugs by enzymes can quickly reduce the blood levels of these medications after intake, thus compromising their therapeutic benefit. Discuss with your physician regarding all your medications and their safety with carbamazepine.
