This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Trileptal Consumer Information
TRILEPTAL
Generic Name: oxcarbazepine (ox kar BAY zeh peen)
Brand Names: Trileptal
What is the most important information I should know about this drug?
- Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking oxcarbazepine to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping oxcarbazepine suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
- 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.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking oxcarbazepine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by oxcarbazepine. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.
- Oxcarbazepine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how oxcarbazepine affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
What is oxcarbazepine?
- Oxcarbazepine is a drug that affects the nerves and brain. It works by decreasing impulses in nerves that cause seizures.
- Oxcarbazepine is used alone and with other drugs to treat seizures.
- Oxcarbazepine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxcarbazepine?
- Do not take oxcarbazepine without first talking to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to carbamazepine (Tegretol, others). You may have an allergic reaction to oxcarbazepine.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney disease, or
- liver disease.
- You may not be able to take oxcarbazepine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Oxcarbazepine is in the FDA category C. This means that it is not known whether oxcarbazepine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Oxcarbazepine passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from oxcarbazepine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment.
How should I take oxcarbazepine?
- Take oxcarbazepine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Oxcarbazepine can be taken with or without food.
- Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- It is important to take oxcarbazepine regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking oxcarbazepine to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping oxcarbazepine suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
- If treatment with oxcarbazepine is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be needed to prevent side effects from occurring.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with oxcarbazepine to monitor progress and side effects.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Store oxcarbazepine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The suspension should be used within 7 weeks of first opening the bottle.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical treatment.
- Symptoms of an oxcarbazepine overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking oxcarbazepine?
- Do not drink alcohol while taking oxcarbazepine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by oxcarbazepine. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.
- Oxcarbazepine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how oxcarbazepine affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.