carbamazepine
see TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA .
Carbamazepine is used to control certain types of seizures, to treat trigeminal neuralgia (a condition that causes facial nerve pain), and to treat episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited or irritated mood) or mixed episodes (symptoms of mania and depression that happen at the same time) in people with bipolar I disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Carbamazepine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain to treat seizures and mania. It works by changing the way the body senses pain to treat trigeminal neuralgia.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking carbamazepine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether carbamazepine itself makes it harder to get pregnant. Women who take seizure medications long-term may have irregular periods, which could make conception more difficult. Anyone with questions about fertility while using this medication should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking carbamazepine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. A few studies have reported slightly more miscarriages in women taking carbamazepine, while other studies have not found this. Because many factors can contribute, it is difficult to know whether the medication, the underlying condition, or other factors are involved—this is best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking carbamazepine increase the risk of birth defects?
Carbamazepine taken in early pregnancy has been associated with an increased chance of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida), with some studies suggesting the chance may rise from less than 1 in 1000 in the general population to about 1 in 100. Studies have also reported a possible higher chance of heart or kidney defects, hypospadias, cleft lip/palate, and certain minor features, with risk possibly higher at higher doses. Because epilepsy itself can also affect risk, and folic acid supplementation may be recommended, these considerations should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking carbamazepine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
It is not known whether carbamazepine increases the chance of preterm delivery or low birth weight, though some studies suggest a possible increased chance of poor fetal growth. Carbamazepine can also lower vitamin K levels in the fetus, which may lead to bleeding problems in some newborns. People taking carbamazepine in pregnancy should talk with their providers about vitamin K supplementation late in pregnancy and at birth.
Can taking carbamazepine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether carbamazepine increases the chance of learning or behavior issues. Some studies have found a small increased chance of speech delay or lower IQ in children who also have minor facial features after carbamazepine exposure, while other studies have found no differences in development or intelligence. These uncertainties are worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine passes into breast milk in small amounts, and most breastfed children have not had reported side effects; breastfeeding while taking carbamazepine alone has not been shown to affect child growth or development. If a baby shows signs such as jaundice, drowsiness, or poor weight gain, the child's healthcare provider should be contacted, and blood levels can be measured if needed. Specific breastfeeding decisions should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
carbamazepine