[Carbamazepine in the treatment of psychiatric diseases: effects and side effects]

The use of carbamazepine in psychiatry has widened its scope in the last years. Its efficacy is proven best in manic syndromes, in the prophylaxis of manic-depressive illness and in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Beyond this, carbamazepine has been used successfully in depression, schizophrenia, organic psychoses and intermittent explosive disorder. The manifold therapeutic possibilities should not make forget the side effects. The most severe effects to be expected are impairment of the hematopoietic system and skin reactions. Vegetative and neurotoxic effects most commonly occur in the beginning of therapy, after increasing the dosage and in case of intoxication. Further possible side effects are disturbances of hepatic, thyroid, renal and cardiac function, of immune response, water balance and calcium metabolism. Monitoring of these parameters during therapy with carbamazepine is necessary.