Carbamazepine, Blood

This test is used to to measure the levels of the carbamazepine in the blood to see if there is a therapeutic amount in the bloodstream.

Carbamazepine is one of the first line drugs used in the management of people with epilepsy. People who are diagnosed with epilepsy require lifelong treatment. They need to maintain a tight amount of medication in the blood at all times. Sometimes, even while on medication, patients have breakthrough seizures. This calls for a test to measure the levels of the carbamazepine in the blood to see if there is a therapeutic amount in the bloodstream. This helps to guide treatment or find alternative causes for breakthrough seizures. It is also helpful in the event that the patient exhibits signs of toxicity from a dose that it too high.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Dizziness
• Breakthrough seizures
• Uncoordinated movement
• Blurred or double vision
• Red, itchy rash
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Also Known As: Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol