Part Two of Trileptal Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of oxcarbazepine?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or consult your doctor immediately:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • symptoms of low blood sodium (nausea, general discomfort, headache, extreme drowsiness, or confusion);
    • central nervous system effects (difficulty with concentration, speech, or language; excessive sleepiness or fatigue; a loss of coordination or trouble walking);
    • double vision, nystagmus (back-and-forth movements of the eyes), blurred vision, or other visual disturbances; or
    • increasing frequency or worsening of seizures.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take oxcarbazepine and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • headache;
    • mild sleepiness or fatigue;
    • nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
    • tremor;
    • dizziness;
    • rash;
    • diarrhea, constipation, or decreased appetite;
    • weight gain; or
    • dry mouth.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect oxcarbazepine?

  • Oxcarbazepine interacts with many of the other drugs used to treat seizures. Before taking oxcarbazepine, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking a combination of medications to treat seizures. Continue to take all medications prescribed to treat seizures exactly as directed.
  • Oxcarbazepine may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking oxcarbazepine to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
  • Oxcarbazepine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if oxcarbazepine is taken with any of these medications.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with oxcarbazepine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about oxcarbazepine written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the condition prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 3.01. Revision date: 6/9/03.

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