monitoring whilst on carbamazepine therapy in bipolar disorder

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • plasma levels of carbamazepine should be measured every 6 months to exclude toxicity, because therapeutic levels and toxic levels are close
  • liver function tests and a full blood count should be repeated after 6 months' treatment with carbamazepine, and weight should be monitored in patients who gain weight rapidly
  • urea and electrolytes should be measured every 6 months after starting treatment with carbamazepine to check for hyponatraemia
  • possible interactions of carbamazepine with other drugs, including oral contraceptives, should be monitored closely, particularly if the patient starts a new medication

Reference:

  1. NICE (July 2006). Bipolar disorder