Index
It is a drug used to treat complex, partial, and generalized tonic convulsive disorders (epilepsy).
This medicine is not helpful against myoclonic or absent convulsions. It can be used alone or with other anticonvulsant medications in adults and children four years of age and older.
Sometimes, medications are used to treat other conditions, so be sure to ask your doctor why you are taking this medication.
The dose of Oxcarbazepine and how it is taken may vary depending on why it is given, the form of medication, and whether it is taken alone or with other medications. It is essential to follow the exact instructions given by your treating doctor.
Always check the appearance of the capsules with the pharmacist when the prescription is filled to ensure you have been given the correct medication.
There is some evidence that Oxcarbazepine is a mood-stabilizing agent and, therefore, can be used as a complementary therapy for bipolar disorder in patients who have failed or can not tolerate approved treatments.
How to administer Oxcarbazepine?
Take this medicine orally with or without food, as directed by your treating doctor, usually twice a day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on their weight.
Without consulting your doctor, do not stop taking this medicine. Some conditions (such as seizures) may get worse when this medication is stopped suddenly. Your dose may need to be decreased gradually.
Side effects
Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, nausea/vomiting, stomach / abdominal pain, headache, trouble sleeping, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or worsen, inform your treating doctor.
A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental / mood problems.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior, including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, and thoughts about hurting yourself.
Similarly, if you have any severe side effects, including loss of coordination, changes in vision (such as double vision), rapid/uncontrollable eye movements, tremors, easy bleeding/bruising, or unusual tiredness.
An allergic reaction to this medication is rare. However, if it does: rash, itching, swelling of the body or face, tongue and throat, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing, stop using it.
Although not common, anaphylaxis may occur. Due to their structural similarities with carbamazepine, there is approximately a 25-30% chance of cross-reactivity between the two medications.
Precautions
This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, use machinery, or perform activities that require alertness until you can safely perform those activities. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages when you are in treatment.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when necessary. It could be harmful to the fetus in the gestation period.
However, since untreated seizures are a serious condition that can harm a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
If you are planning a pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately about the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
Since hormonal birth control may not work if taken with this medication.
Interactions
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive control, such as pills, patches, or rings. This could cause pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you must use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication.
It is marketed in some countries as Trileptal by Novartis laboratories and usually is available as a generic medicine. Supernus Pharmaceuticals, as Oxtellar XR, also markets a prolonged-release formulation.
