Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) is an oral medication used to treat partial seizures in adults as mono-therapy and adjunctive therapy, and partial seizures in children who are above the age of 4 years as adjunctive therapy. This medication is also known to be prescribed by doctors for other reasons too.

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) is a prescription medication and should be used only if advised by the doctor. Doctor’s instructions should be strictly followed as to the dosage. Larger doses than has been recommended are strictly forbidden. The medication is to be administered with a glass full of water. Administration of the medication at regularly spaced intervals is more effective. Doses should not be skipped.

Medication should not be stopped abruptly without consulting the doctor even if the apparent symptoms of seizures go away as it may lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition. The doctor should be notified if a worsening of the condition is noticed.

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) may be used by itself or in combination with other medications. In such cases, the doctor’s instructions should be strictly followed to prevent any adverse drug interactions.

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) may cause side effects in patients who are on therapy. Following are common but less serious side effects of the medication which usually don’t require medical intervention as they go away on their own:

• Mild nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
• Blurred vision
• Shaking and tremors
• Skin rash
• Blurred speech, loss of concentration and coordination
• Mental slowness
• Blurred vision

Following are a few serious side effects of Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) and in case they occur, the doctor should be immediately consulted:

• Sore throat, peeling and bruising of the skin,
• Headache
• Red skin rash
• Unusual weakness and easy bleeding of the skin
• Increase or worsening of seizures
• Yellowing of the eyes and the skin (jaundice)
• Swelling of the glands, fever and flu-like symptoms
• Reduced occurrence of urination

In case an allergic reaction occurs, it should be treated as a medical emergency. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are swelling of the face, lips, throat and tongue, chest pain and difficulty in breathing.

This medication may also cause mood or behavioral changes in patients such as depression, anxiety, agitation, restlessness and hyperactivity. It may also lead to suicidal thoughts and thoughts of hurting oneself.

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) may cause drug interactions when administered in combination with the following drugs:

• Calcium channel blockers (felodipine, verapamil)
• combination-type birth control pills
• other seizure control medication (carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid, Phenobarbital)
• sedatives
• sleeping pills
• tranquilizers
• narcotic pain relievers (hydrocodone, codeine)
• anti-anxiety drugs (diazepam)
• muscle relaxants
• antihistamines (diphenhydramine)
• psychiatric medicines (chlorpromazine, amitriptyline)

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or if you notice an increase in how often you are having seizures, check with your doctor as soon as possible. Laboratory and medical tests (e.g., sodium levels, pregnancy tests) may be performed to monitor your therapy. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) is used to treat and control seizures in adults and children over the age of 4 years.

Oxcarbazepine is used occasionally to treat anxiety. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) should be kept out of reach of children in a dry area.

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) should not be prescribed to pregnant women and should be prescribed with caution to women of childbearing age.