Which mood stabilizer is also classified as an anticonvulsant and carries a risk of Steven-Johnson Syndrome, particularly for patients of Asian descent?

Carbamazepine is the correct answer because it is both a mood stabilizer and an anticonvulsant, commonly used in managing bipolar disorder and seizures. One notable risk associated with Carbamazepine is the development of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a serious skin reaction that can lead to hospitalization and long-term complications.

This risk is particularly heightened in patients of Asian descent due to the association with specific genetic factors, such as the HLA-B*1502 allele. This allele is more prevalent in certain Asian populations, and individuals carrying this allele are at a significantly higher risk of developing SJS when exposed to Carbamazepine. As a result, genetic testing for this allele is often recommended before prescribing Carbamazepine to patients of Asian descent.

In contrast, while lamotrigine is also an anticonvulsant and a mood stabilizer with the potential risk of SJS, it is not as strongly linked to the genetic predisposition of SJS associated with Asian ethnicities. Valproate is another anticonvulsant mood stabilizer but does not carry the same risk for SJS. Lithium is primarily used as a mood stabilizer and does not fall into the category of anticonvulsants nor