MajorBenzodiazepines. Short-to-medium-acting anxiolytics×Antiepileptics. Carboxamide derivatives
Updated · Methodology
Mechanism
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4; alprazolam plasma levels fall by 50%. Loss of anxiolytic effect and withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, tremor) are possible.
Symptoms
Return of anxiety, insomnia, tremor, sweating, tachycardia (withdrawal). With high carbamazepine doses, full return of panic disorder symptoms is possible.
Management
During carbamazepine therapy, increase alprazolam by 50% or switch to lorazepam/oxazepam (glucuronidated, no CYP3A4 dependence). Alternative anticonvulsants without induction: levetiracetam, lamotrigine.
Check the full regimen, not just this pair
Opens the checker with these two drugs prefilled. Add the rest of the regimen and recompute additive risks.
Summary of a multi-drug list →
Medicine list: everything you take in one place →
Sources
- FDA: Tegretol (carbamazepine) prescribing information (2009)– ; DailyMed setid 8d409411-aa9f-4f3a-a52c-fbcb0c3ec053
- AEMPS: Ficha técnica: Carbamazepina (nº registro 62621), sección 4.5 (2025)– AEMPS, CIMA, nº registro 62621, sección 4.5