Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking Carbamazepine as follows:
- Carbamazepine use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in birth defects. So, carbamazepine use should be avoided during pregnancy and in women planning to get pregnant. Women in the child bearing age group, having an active sexual life, and taking carbamazepine on a regular basis, must employ effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid getting pregnant.
- Carbamazepine carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure and causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias, thus leading to severe debility and death. Hypotension, secondary to carbamazepine intake, can add to the confusion and dizziness the intake of this medication can cause, thus increasing the risk for falls and accidents. Exacerbation of arrhythmia in individuals can result in episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and increased shortness of breath. Observe compliance with log maintenance of every day blood pressure readings. Report any consistent readings of low blood pressure, symptoms of hypotension and poorly controlled arrhythmias to your physician immediately, for any needed measures to be considered.
- Observe compliance with any periodical lab draws ordered for liver function tests, renal function tests, and blood cell counts for early detection of anemia, low white blood cell and low platelet cell counts.
