Abstract
Background. This analysis is a retrospective chart review evaluating the safety of carbamazepine (CBZ) extended-release capsules (CBZ-ERC) (Shire, Wayne, PA, USA) when used in combination with other agents as part of a polypharmacy regimen in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. The safety of CBZ-ERC was determined by comparing the adverse event profiles of patients on monotherapy versus those of patients on polytherapy.
Methods. The medical records of 300 adult patients (aged 18–70) treated in a private practice setting with CBZ (monotherapy or polytherapy) who met the DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder were examined.
Results. We found that patients taking CBZ-ERC together with other agents (antipsychotics, antiepileptics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants, anxiolytics, lithium, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications) were no more likely to report gastrointestinal, nervous system, or cutaneous adverse events than patients on CBZ-ERC monotherapy.
Conclusions. These real-world data suggest that the occurrence of adverse events may not differ significantly between patients on CBZ-ERC monotherapy and those on polytherapy with multiple other agents.
Notes
ADHD = attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.