What is an adverse effect of carbamazepine that the nurse should educate the client to monitor for?

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to treat seizure disorders, as well as bipolar disorder and certain types of nerve pain. One of the significant adverse effects associated with carbamazepine is agranulocytosis, which is a severe decrease in the number of white blood cells. This condition can lead to an increased risk of infections and is critical to monitor because it can be life-threatening if not identified and managed promptly.

Patients taking carbamazepine should be educated about the signs and symptoms of agranulocytosis, such as fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection, since early detection can help in preventing complications. Regular blood tests may be necessary to ensure that white blood cell counts remain within a safe range.

While difficulty in breathing, frequent headaches, and worsening depression are potential concerns when using carbamazepine, agranulocytosis is a particularly serious and well-documented risk that necessitates vigilant monitoring. Thus, focusing patient education around this risk is essential for safe medication management.