Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Schisandra
Severity: Moderate
Carbamazepine and Schisandra: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Schisandra constituents inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and may raise carbamazepine levels. Toxicity such as dizziness and ataxia is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Schisandra can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism by schisandra lignans.
What to do
Avoid the herbal product if possible, or monitor for carbamazepine toxicity and check serum levels.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Schisandra?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbamazepine and Schisandra can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Schisandra constituents inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and may raise carbamazepine levels. Toxicity such as dizziness and ataxia is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Schisandra?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the herbal product if possible, or monitor for carbamazepine toxicity and check serum levels.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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