1. How long will I need to be on carbamazepine?
Patients who have a seizure disorder, bipolar disorder, or chronic nerve pain will typically take carbamazepine or other medications throughout their lifetime. If carbamazepine ceases to be effective or causes adverse effects, then the patient may need to be given different drug(s). If someone has seizures that are caused by a temporary condition, then the person may only need the medication for a short period of time.
2. Will my doctor order free carbamazepine or carbamazepine-10,11 epoxide frequently?
Generally, no. These additional tests may be ordered once or twice to help evaluate how your body is metabolizing and using carbamazepine but are not used for routine monitoring.
