Apparent complex partial seizures in a bipolar patient after withdrawal of carbamazepine
Garbutt, J.C.; Gillette, G.M.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 49(10): 410-411
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0160-6689 PMID: 3170494 Document Number: 317116
A 64-year-old woman with long-standing bipolar illness was treated with carbamazepine and clonazepam with minimal success. Discontinuation of carbamazepine and clonazepam was followed by episodic amnesia, purposeless behavior, déjà vu, and confusion. Although her EEG was normal, the episodes were compatible with complex partial seizures and ceased after carbamazepine and clonazepam were reinstituted. This case raises the question of whether discontinuing carbamazepine and clonazepam can induce complex partial seizures in bipolar patients.