A patient is prescribed carbamazepine and needs education about the risk of adverse effects associated with this drug. The nurse should reinforce which of the following?

Explanation

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol) has a black box warning due to the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and bone marrow suppression, which can lead to leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and agranulocytosis

• Other adverse effects include risks of liver damage and thyroid damage and side effects of drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and dry mouth.

• Carbamazepine is an iminostilbene anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Seizures are not caused by this drug, but stopping the medication abruptly can lower the seizure threshold. 

• Risks of pneumonia and polyuria are not associated with carbamazepine.

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