Carbamazepine: Efficacy in epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and off label uses with pharmacists’ survey
1 College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, D.C. 20059, USA.
2 Independent Researcher. 1409 Jackson Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA.
Research Article
International Journal of Scholarly Research in Biology and Pharmacy, 2025, 06(01), 020-029.
Article DOI: 10.56781/ijsrbp.2025.6.1.0025
Publication history:
Received on 22 June 2025; revised on 02 August 2025; accepted on 05 August 2025
Abstract:
This study examines the efficacy of carbamazepine and its diverse applications in epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and other off-label uses, with a focus on pharmacy students' knowledge and perceptions of the drug. Carbamazepine, primarily used for treating epilepsy and mood disorders, has complex mechanisms of action and a notable safety profile, especially regarding genetic risks like the HLA-B1502 allele, associated with severe dermatologic reactions. The purpose of this study was to assess pharmacy students' understanding of carbamazepine's indications, safety concerns, and monitoring requirements. An online survey was conducted among 42 pharmacy students and the questionnaires included knowledge-based and opinion-based questions on carbamazepine’s clinical use, side effects, and patient counseling guidelines. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and averages, were calculated and represented in tables and graphs for clarity. Results showed that students generally understood the need for cautious use of carbamazepine, especially regarding monitoring and patient education. However, gaps in knowledge were identified, particularly concerning its teratogenic risks and pharmacogenomic testing requirements. These findings suggest that while students are aware of the drug’s common side effects, further education is needed to enhance their understanding of genetic and safety considerations. Implications of this study highlight the importance of strengthening pharmacy curricula to address knowledge gaps in pharmacogenomics and individualized care. Targeted educational programs could enhance future pharmacists' competence in managing medications like carbamazepine, ultimately improving patient safety and therapeutic outcomes. This research provides a foundation for curriculum development, aiming to prepare pharmacy students for complex medication management in clinical practice.
Keywords:
Carbamazepine; Epilepsy; Bipolar disorder; Survey; Opinions/knowledge
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Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0