Reversible Pitch Perception Deficit Caused by Carbamazepine

Abstract

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an antiepileptic drug frequently used to treat a variety of neurologic diseases or symptoms. In addition, the drug is used as a mood stabilizer in patients with affective or schizophrenic disorders. Among its adverse effects, auditory disturbance is described rarely. In this report, we describe a 25-year-old woman who noted falsely higher pitch perception after starting CBZ treatment for schizoaffective disorder. We also review the literature reporting CBZ-associated abnormal pitch perception.