Two Cases of Carbamazepine Induced Bradyarrhythmia: Potentially Lethal Side Effect in Elderly Patients

ABSTRACT

Although potential hematologic complications of carbamazepine (CBZ) have been well known, the cardiac effects of CBZ are not widely appreciated. We report two cases of severe bradyarrhythmia induced by the usual dosage of CBZ. Two elderly patients complained of chest discomfort and dyspnea after CBZ medication. Their EKGs showed sinus bradycardia with junctional escape rhythm. After the discontinuation of CBZ, cardiac conduction abnormality were resolved. Even though cardiac side effect of CBZ is rare, it is potentially lethal in elderly patients.