Does Levetiracetam Interact with Carbamazepine?
Levetiracetam and Carbamazepine have a minor drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Levetiracetam does not influence carbamazepine plasma concentration. Carbamazepine as an enzyme-inducing AED increased levetiracetam clearance by ~22% in pediatric patients. The mechanism involves enzyme induction. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Minor
- Carbamazepine Class
- Mood Stabilizer
- Management
- Generally manageable
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Levetiracetam and Carbamazepine occurs because enzyme induction. Clinically, this means levetiracetam does not influence carbamazepine plasma concentration. carbamazepine as an enzyme-inducing aed increased levetiracetam clearance by ~22% in pediatric patients. This is classified as a minor interaction with generally low clinical significance, though your healthcare provider should still be informed that you are taking both medications.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Levetiracetam and your doctor is considering prescribing Carbamazepine (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider