Cardiac conduction disturbances during carbamazepine therapy.

3 cases of carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced Stokes-Adams attacks caused by intermittent total atrioventricular block, sino-atrial block with junctional escapade-rhytm and intermittent asystolia are reported. After cessation of CBZ treatment, the cardiac conduction disturbances disappeared. In 2 of the patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by resumption of treatment with CBZ after insertion of a demand pacemaker. If syncopes or changes in seizure-type occur in patients treated with CBZ, evaluation of cardiac conduction is recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that cardiac function is evaluated before CBZ-treatment, especially in elderly patients.