LIVER-ENZYME INDUCTION AND SERUM-LIPID LEVELS AFTER REPLACEMENT OF CARBAMAZEPINE WITH OXCARBAZEPINE

We evaluated liver P450 enzyme system induction and serum lipid levels in a prospective follow-up study in 12 male patients with epilepsy after replacing carbamazepine (CBZ) medication with oxcarbazepine (OCBZ). Antipyrine(t1/2) increased and antipyrine(CL) decreased 2 months after the medication was changed, reflecting normalization of liver P450 enzyme system function. Furthermore, serum total cholesterol levels decreased, but serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) were unchanged. OCBZ may be the preferable antiepileptic drug (AED) with regard to the effects of the medication on lipid metabolism.