ABSTRACT
A compound chemically related to Carbamazepine (CBZ), oxcarbazepine (10,11-dihydro-10-oxocarbamazepine) (OXC), is the result of manipulating the chemical formula of CBZ. The chemical structure of OXC, shows that OXC is a ketoanalog of CBZ. The same investigators undertook another controlled comparison of CBZ and OXC in 118 patients experiencing either unsatisfactory seizure control or adverse effects on previous antiepileptic drugs monotherapy. A cross-sectional investigation of 41 patients being treated with OXC demonstrated that approximately 50% experienced sodium levels. The development of skin rash following the start of treatment with CBZ can be a disturbing adverse effect, which necessitates withdrawal of treatment. The large Scandinavian controlled studies did not include electrolytes in their extensive battery of laboratory tests, however, other studies have suggested that a decrease in serum sodium may occur more frequently during treatment with OXC than with CBZ. Older patients and patients treated with doses above 30 mg/kg/day demonstrated a higher risk of becoming hyponatremie.
