What Causes Elevated GGT Levels Inspite Of Being On Carbamazepine?

Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I just received the results of my comprehensive blood test. I don't see my doctor for 10 days and I don't want to wait for an interpretation. My Gamma GT level was 179. According to the lab the range of normal is (6-42). I do not drink. I have taken carbamazepine for many years and I am now overweight.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possible early phase of Carbamazepine toxicity

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I understand your query and concern.

This isolated elevation of GGT is possibly related to carbamazepine toxicity resulting from chronic use.

Overweight is also related to a long term side effect of this drug .

Its extremely important that you get a serum levels of this drug tested for confirmation.

Its very important that you detect this toxicity at the earliest and modify the drug dosage or the dug itself.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj