A nurse is teaching a client who has rapid cycling bipolar disorder and a new prescription for carbamazepine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
A. Blood tests will be done weekly during the first several months of treatment.
B. You should not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
C. You will be more alert while taking this medication.
D. Refrain from taking Monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications for several days after starting this treatment.
E. Do not abruptly discontinue this medication.A, B, E
Correct Answers:
A. “Blood tests will be done weekly during the first several months of treatment.”
B. “You should not drink alcohol while taking this medication.”
E. “Do not abruptly discontinue this medication.”
Carbamazepine causes an elevation in liver enzymes, which can cause carbamazepine or other medications to be metabolized at a faster rate. The client should avoid alcohol or taking other sedatives while taking carbamazepine. Carbamazepine can cause dizziness and sedation. The client should follow a tapering schedule as directed by the provider when discontinuing carbamazepine.
Incorrect Answers:
C. Drowsiness is an adverse effect of carbamazepine. The client should avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving until the client has determined how the medication affects the ability for alertness.
D. The client should not take Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medications with or within 14 days of taking carbamazepine.
Vital Concept: Carbamazepine is considered to be more effective than lithium for clients who have rapid cycling bipolar disorder. However, there are significant side effects of the medication. A client who is going to take carbamazepine must be given very specific oral and written instructions before starting the medication.
BDE
BE
BE