Thyroid and myocardial function after replacement of carbamazepine by oxcarbazepine

We determined changes in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones during carbamazepine (CBZ) therapy during a 5-year prospective follow-up study of 20 patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy. In addition, we evaluated the effects of replacing CBZ with oxcarbazepine (OCBZ) in 12 male patients with epilepsy in a 6-month prospective follow-up study. Circulating thyroxine and free thyroxine levels decreased after 2-month CBZ treatment and remained at a low level during the 5-year follow-up. There were no associated changes in serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations. When CBZ was replaced by OCBZ, the function of the liver's P450 enzyme system normalized, as shown by an increase in antipyrineT1/2, and a decrease in antipyrineCL. Serum total and free thyroxine levels increased, and thereafter serum TSH levels decreased. Indexes of diastolic heart function improved concomitantly, which may reflect subclinical hypothyroidism at the cellular level during CBZ treatment. We conclude that normal thyroid function can be restored in patients with epilepsy by replacing CBZ with OCBZ.