Tics and vocalizations in children treated with carbamazepine

Three patients are reported who, following the initiation of carbamazepine therapy for seizure control, either experienced the onset of Tourette's syndrome or a worsening of their tics and vocalizations. Blood levels of carbamazepine were within the therapeutic range, and no patient showed clinical signs of intoxication. Tics and vocalizations did not resolve following discontinuation of carbamazepine therapy. Carbamazepine may trigger the onset of Tourette's syndrome in susceptible patients.