Arty asked
Starting carbamazepine 200mg twice daily. Have seen various contradictory articles on drinking alcohol while taking. Label just says ask doctor before drinking and the pharmacist did not mention it at all.
Answer
Tegretol (carbamazepine) is an anti-epileptic medication and is also used as a mood stabilizer for certain psychiatric disorders.
Although effective and generally used as a first line agent over other anti-epileptic drugs such as phenytoin due to its favorable side effect profile, carbamazepine has been associated with liver toxicity and in many cases, liver function tests are required over the course of treatment.
Alcohol consumption while taking carbamazepine increases the risk of liver associated problems and therefore is not recommended.
Alcohol With Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
Tegretol (carbamazepine) should be used cautiously those with existing liver disease. Not only is the drug extensively metabolized in the liver, liver toxicity (i.e. hepatotoxicity) has been reported, although it is relatively rare. Symptoms of liver toxicity include:
- Jaundice
- Rash
- Increase in Eosinophils (i.e. Eosinophilia)
- Elevated liver enzymes
For most individuals taking carbamazepine, liver function tests are required before therapy begins and periodically while taking the medication to ensure the liver is functioning normally.
Alcohol consumption theoretically increases the risk of liver associated problems while on carbamazepine therapy. Alcohol metabolism taken place mostly in the liver and put extra stress on it when consumed in conjunction with certain medications such as carbamazepine.
