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?

Risk of bone marrow suppression
Risk of liver damage
Risk of thyroid damage

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.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!