PROLONGED TREATMENT WITH CARBAMAZEPINE INCREASES THE STIMULATORY EFFECTS OF ETHANOL IN MICE

Carbamazepine (CBZ) has been used in the treatment of alcohol withdraw al (AW). However, cases of induction of euphoric feelings when mixed w ith alcohol have been reported. We verified whether CBZ could potentia te ethanol stimulatory effects in animals. Two groups of mice were inj ected with saline (group I) or 2 g/kg ethanol (group II) IF, for 20 da ys. On the next day, each group was divided into two subgroups that re ceived either a single dose of CBZ (10 mg/kg) or vehicle IF, followed, 30 min later, by saline or ethanol injection. Locomotor activity was measured. Acute CBZ did not change locomotor activity of ethanol-treat ed mice. Treatment with CBZ or vehicle continued for 6 days. Finally, on the 28th day, 30 min after the last CBZ or vehicle injection, an et hanol challenge was given to group II and a saline injection to group I. The results showed a significant potentiation of ethanol stimulator y effects by chronic CBZ treatment. Data indicated that CBZ should be cautiously administered to alcohol-dependent patients.