Brand
name: Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
Pronounced: tri-LEP-tal
Generic name: Oxcarbazepine
Why is Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) prescribed?
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) helps reduce the frequency of partial epileptic seizures,
a form of epilepsy in which neural disturbances are limited to a specific
region of the brain and the victim remains conscious throughout the
attack. Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) may be prescribed by itself to treat the problem
in adults. It can also be used in combination with other seizure medications
in adults and in children as young as four years old.
Most important fact about Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination,
which could impair your ability to drive a vehicle or operate dangerous
machinery. Do not attempt hazardous activities until you know how the
drug affects you.
How should you take Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) without
Rx/prescriptions?
Take Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
suddenly could cause an increase in the frequency of your seizures.
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) may be taken with or without food.
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) is available in tablets and an oral suspension, which can
be used interchangeably. To administer a dose of the oral suspension,
proceed as follows:
1. Shake the bottle well and remove the cap.
2. Push the plunger all the way down in the dosing syringe provided
with the bottle.
3. With the bottle upright, push the syringe firmly into the plastic
adapter on the neck of the bottle.
4. With the syringe in place, turn the bottle upside down.
5. Slowly pull the plunger out until a small amount of medicine enters
the syringe. Push the plunger back in far enough to force out any large
air bubbles trapped in the syringe.
6. Slowly pull the plunger out until the top edge of the black ring
is level with the marker for the prescribed dose.
7. Turn the bottle upright and twist the syringe free from the plastic
adapter.
8. Push the plunger to empty the syringe. The medicine can be dropped
directly into the mouth or into a small glass of water. If using water,
stir the medicine, then drink the entire glass.
9. Rinse the syringe with warm water and allow it to dry. Replace the
cap on the bottle.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss more than one dose in a day,
check with your doctor.
--Storage instructions...
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature.
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine).
* Side effects may include:
Abnormal gait, dizziness, double vision, headache, involuntary movement of
the eyeballs, nausea, sleepiness, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movement,
visual disturbances, vomiting, weakness
Why should Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) not be prescribed?
If Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) gives you an allergic reaction, you won't be able to
use it.
Special warnings about Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
A significant number (25 to 30 percent) of people who are sensitive
to carbamazepine (Tegretol) also experience sensitivity to Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine).
If you've had a problem with Tegretol, make sure the doctor is aware
of it. Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) is prescribed under such circumstances only if there's
no better alternative.
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) can lead to a loss of sodium from the blood, resulting in
a serious medical condition which, left untreated, could lead to convulsions,
coma, and death. Your doctor should carefully monitor your blood sodium
levels during treatment with Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine). Alert the doctor immediately
if you develop warning signs such as nausea, headache, sluggishness,
confusion, loss of feeling, or an increase in the frequency or severity
of seizures.
If you have kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe a lower dosage
of Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine). Be sure your doctor knows your medical history before
you start therapy.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
Alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine). Avoid alcohol
while taking Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine).
If Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) with the following:
Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Calan) or felodipine (Plendil)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Oral contraceptives
Valproic acid (Depakene)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Although it's not known for sure, there is good reason to believe
that Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) can cause birth defects. If you are pregnant or are
planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify
the risk.
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) appears in breast milk and could cause serious side effects
in a nursing infant. Check with your doctor. You'll probably need to
make a choice between breast feeding and continuing your Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
therapy.
Recommended dosage for Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
ADULTS
Overdosage
