SERUM SEX-HORMONE LEVELS AFTER REPLACING CARBAMAZEPINE WITH OXCARBAZEPINE

The function of the hepatic P450 enzyme system was evaluated by measur ing the kinetics of antipyrine and serum sex hormone levels were deter mined in 12 male patients with epilepsy during carbamazepine medicatio n, and two and six months after changing their medication to oxcarbaze pine. Antipyrine t(1/2) increased and antipyrine CL decreased after th e change reflecting normalisation of the liver P450 enzyme system func tion. Serum sex hormone binding globulin levels decreased, and serum d ehydroepiandrosterone sulphate increased after the change. The results show that the carbamazepine-associated induction of the liver P450 en zyme system and changes in serum sex hormone balance can be avoided by replacing carbamazepine with oxcarbazepine.