Does tegretol cause low neutrophils and high lymphocytes?

Tegretol (carbamazepine) has been associated with both neutropenia (low neutrophils) and lymphocytosis (high lymphocytes).

Neutropenia is a condition in which the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection, is abnormally low. Tegretol can cause neutropenia as a side effect, especially when used at high doses or in combination with other drugs that can also cause neutropenia. The risk of neutropenia is generally higher in people who are already elderly or have certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.

Lymphocytosis is a condition in which the number of lymphocytes, another type of white blood cell that helps fight infection, is abnormally high. Tegretol has been associated with lymphocytosis in some cases, but the exact mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood. It is possible that Tegretol may affect the production or release of lymphocytes from the bone marrow, leading to an increase in their numbers in the blood.

If you are taking Tegretol and experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection, or if you have any concerns about your blood cell counts, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood cell counts regularly and may adjust your dose of Tegretol or prescribe other medications to manage the side effects.