title: Biochemical effects of carbamazepine: relationship to its mechanisms of action in affective illness.
abstract: Carbamazepine has a unique spectrum of clinical efficacy in paroxysmal pain syndromes and epilepsy, as well as in affective illness. Evidence of its therapeutic effects in lithium-resistant manic-depressive illness and schizoaffective illness is reviewed. The biochemical effects of carbamazepine as they might be related to either its anticonvulsant or psychotropic properties are presented and discussed. Carbamazepine alters classical neurotransmitter and second messenger systems, as well as a variety of neuropeptides which could relate to mechanisms of action or side effects. Comparison and contrast of the biological effects of carbamazepine with classical treatment agents, such as lithium carbonate, tricyclic antidepressants, and neuroleptics may help elucidate mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of the mood disorders.
mesh_terms: D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000187:drug effects*; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D002220:Carbamazepine; D013004:Somatostatin; D006854:Hydrocortisone