Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking Carbamazepine as follows:
- Carbamazepine can induce the liver enzyme systems needed for the metabolism of various OTC products and drugs, such as, anticoagulants, antidepressants, and many cardiovascular medications. Concurrent administration of these OTC products and medications with carbamazepine can shorten the duration of action of these products and medications, secondary to induction of liver enzymes and quickening of their metabolism. This can result in compromised therapeutic benefit with all of these medications. Report symptoms of poor therapeutic response with these medications appropriately to your physician, to facilitate an adequate change in your care plan. Your physician could consider making appropriate changes in the dose of these medications, to cover for the compromise in therapeutic benefit. But, do not change the dose of any medications without consulting your physician. Avoid taking carbamazepine concurrently, at the same time, with any other medications. Observing 2 – 3 hour window between intake of carbamazepine and intake of any other medications can help avoid this potential complication.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice when you are taking carbamazepine. Grapefruit juice can inhibit the activity of enzymes metabolizing carbamazepine, which results in poor metabolism of the drug. This can result in carbamazepine being active in the body for longer duration, contributing to risk for toxicity with the medication.
