Acute-on-Chronic Carbamazepine Overdose: A Toxicology Simulation Case for Fourth-Year Medical Students
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic medication used to treat seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder. Although carbamazepine overdose occurs frequently, it receives limited attention in undergraduate medical curricula. Multimodal, experiential learning provides a safe, structured learning environment. We developed a simulation of carbamazepine overdose to address this educational gap. Methods: Fourth-year medical students enrolled in a toxicology course completed a pretest and a Likert-scale questionnaire assessing confidence in managing carbamazepine overdose. Students received a 30-minute lecture and participated in a 15-minute simulation involving a 26-year-old patient with an intentional carbamazepine overdose followed by a 15-minute debrief. Critical actions included obtaining a focused history, neurological assessment, and carbamazepine level; administering multidose activated charcoal; and requesting toxicology and psychiatric consultation. Required equipment included a high-fidelity manikin, IV supplies, and standard pharmaceuticals. We evaluated students with a critical actions checklist and posttest. Students then completed additional Likert-scale questionnaires assessing workshop reactions, confidence, and intent to change practice. Results: < .001). Students rated the workshop favorably and most reported intent to change practice. Discussion: Experiential learning is an effective pedagogical technique to teach carbamazepine overdose.
Source: MedEdPORTAL
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222085345