because warfarin (Coumadin) may interact with carbamazepine and require dosage adjustments. Carbamazepine can increase the metabolism of warfarin and decrease its anticoagulant effect, which can increase the risk of blood clots or stroke¹⁴. The nurse should monitor the patient's international normalized ratio (INR) and prothrombin time (PT) and adjust the warfarin dose accordingly¹⁵. -

because erythromycin (Erythrocin) may interact with carbamazepine and require dosage adjustments. Erythromycin can inhibit the metabolism of carbamazepine and increase its blood levels, which can increase the risk of toxicity or adverse effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or rash¹⁴. The nurse should monitor the patient's carbamazepine levels and signs of toxicity and adjust the carbamazepine dose accordingly¹⁵. -

because ibuprofen (Advil) does not interact with carbamazepine and does not require dosage adjustments. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that does not affect the metabolism or blood levels of carbamazepine or be affected by it²³. The nurse should advise the patient to use ibuprofen as needed for pain or inflammation, but to avoid taking it with other NSAIDs or aspirin to prevent bleeding or stomach ulcers²³. -

because levothyroxine (Synthroid) does not interact with carbamazepine and does not require dosage adjustments. Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement that does not affect the metabolism or blood levels of carbamazepine or be affected by it²³. The nurse should advise the patient to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 4 hours after any other medications, to ensure optimal absorption²³.