Sick sinus syndrome aggravated by carbamazepine therapy for epilepsy.

Abstract

A case of sick sinus syndrome aggravated by carbamazepine prescribed for epilepsy is described. A 70 year old woman with previously stable psychomotor epilepsy experienced syncope of increased frequency after her anticonvulsant was changed to carbamazepine. ECG monitoring confirmed a severe sick sinus syndrome which improved on carbamazepine withdrawal. Failure to distinguish carbamazepine-induced cardiac syncope from epileptic attacks may lead to an increase in dosage and aggravation of syncope.

• Authors: K A Hewetson, A E Ritch, R D Watson
• Journal: Postgraduate medical journal (Postgrad Med J) Vol. 62 Issue 728 Pg. 497-8 (Jun 1986) ISSN: 0032-5473 [Print] England
• PMID: 3774685 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Carbamazepine

Topics

• Aged
• Carbamazepine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Sick Sinus Syndrome (chemically induced)