🩺 Main Uses
Epilepsy; bipolar disorder (mania, maintenance).
🧪 The Science & Facts
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Half‑life (t½)
14 h
How long the drug hangs around. Longer half‑life = slower changes.
Time to Peak (Tmax)
4 h
Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.
What it hits (receptors)
Primary:
Multiple mechanisms: ↑ GABA, sodium channel blockade, T-type Ca channel effects.
How your body processes it (metabolism)
Hepatic metabolism; inhibitor of UGT, CYP2C9.
⚠️ Warnings
- Strong mood stabiliser, effective for mania and seizures.
- Serious risks: liver toxicity, pancreatitis, weight gain.
- Teratogenic (very high risk of birth defects).
- Common side effects: sedation, tremor, hair loss, nausea.
- Requires regular blood monitoring.
⏬ Taper & Withdrawal
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If you’re reducing
Taper slowly to prevent seizure/mood relapse.
Possible withdrawal
Rebound seizures, relapse of mania possible.
Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.
🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:29 by Connor O’Driscoll
🔗 Interaction Checker
Always verify drug interactions using the Drugs.com Checker.
Need Help Getting Off This?
Try your GP first. If that doesn't help, find local support services who understand tapering.
Find Support Near You →⚠️ Black Box Warning
Teratogenic: major birth defects; requires pregnancy prevention programme.
This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.