Moderate social drinking does not appear to affect the
serum levels of
carbamazepine.
Heavy drinking may possibly increase the
metabolism of
carbamazepine, and this may
be further increased in alcoholics who abstain from drinking
alcohol.
No action needed for moderate social drinking. However, note that the sedative effects of antiepileptics may be additive with those of
alcohol. The risk of seizures may be increased in heavy drinkers on tapering or stopping
alcohol.