Carbamazepine Overview

General Information

• Type: Anticonvulsant medication
• Uses:
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Seizures (tonic-clonic and partial)
  • Bipolar disorder

Visual Mnemonics

• Car Magazine: Anchor for remembering carbamazepine ("car magazine for carbamazepine")
• Shocks on Car: Symbol for anticonvulsant use (stopping shaking, as in seizures)
• Trigem Game: Reminder for treating trigeminal neuralgia
• Drama Masks: Symbol for bipolar disorder (manic and depressive episodes)

Clinical Uses

1. Seizures
   • Effective for tonic-clonic and partial seizures
2. Trigeminal Neuralgia
   • Brief episodes of severe facial pain
   • Carbamazepine reduces overactivation of the trigeminal nerve
3. Bipolar Disorder
   • Used as a mood stabilizer
   • Particularly effective for manic episodes

Side Effects

1. Agranulocytosis

   • Represents a lack of granulocytes (low white blood cell count, especially neutrophils)
   • Increases risk of infections (sore throat as a symptom)
   • Requires immediate cessation if neutrophil counts drop
   • Black Box Warning

2. Rash (Potential for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)

   • Severe rash that can lead to skin death
   • Patients must report rash development immediately
   • Black Box Warning

Recap

• Primary Uses:
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Seizures
  • Bipolar disorder
• Important Side Effects:
  • Agranulocytosis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Note: These points are high yield for the NCLEX exam.