Cardiac conduction disturbances during carbamazepine therapy

ABSTRACT 3 cases of carbamazepine (CBZ)‐induced Stokes‐Adams attacks caused by intermittent total atrioventricular block, sino‐atrial block with junctional escapade‐rhytm and intermittent asystolia are reported. After cessation of CBZ treatment, the cardiac conduction disturbances disappeared. In 2 of the patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by resumption of treatment with CBZ after insertion of a demand pacemaker. If syncopes or changes in seizure‐type occur in patients treated with CBZ, evaluation of cardiac conduction is recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that cardiac function is evaluated before CBZ‐treatment, especially in elderly patients.

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