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from eMedTV.comCommon Side Effects
Carbamazepine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the drug were documented and then compared to the side effects that occurred in another group of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group not taking the medicine.In these studies, some of the most common carbamazepine side effects included:
- Unsteadiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting.
Less Common Side Effects
Rare side effects of carbamazepine are also possible. Because these side effects are so uncommon, it can be difficult to tell whether they are actually caused by carbamazepine or by factors unrelated to the medication.
These less common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Hair loss (see Carbamazepine and Hair Loss)
- Sweating
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Changes in skin color
- Body or facial hair growth
- Frequent urination
- Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED
- Coordination problems
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Double vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dry mouth (see Carbamazepine and Dry Mouth)
- Leg cramps.
Carbamazepine has also been reported to interfere with some pregnancy tests.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD