Carbamazepine-induced mania in two children: case report

Carbamazepine-induced mania is described in two case reports of prepubertal boys, one of whom also developed manic symptoms after receiving imipramine and dextroamphetamine. The structural and chemical similarities between carbamazepine and polycyclic antidepressants are discussed and it is suggested that caution and close observation be employed when using carbamazepine to treat children who have been identified as being at risk for developing this adverse effect.