What is Oxcarbazepine?

Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant medication. It reduces the nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain. To treat partial seizures, oxcarbazepine is used alone or in combination with other medications. The Trileptal brand of oxcarbazepine is taken as a single dose by adults and children over the age of four.

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Oxcarbazepine Uses

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children, either alone or in combination with other medications. Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets are used in conjunction with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children aged 6 and up. Oxcarbazepine belongs to the anticonvulsant medication class. It helps in reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

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How to Use Oxcarbazepine Oral

Before you begin using oxcarbazepine, and each time you get a refill, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist.

Take this medication orally with or without food, usually twice daily, as directed by your doctor. The dosage is determined by your medical condition, response to treatment, and any other medications you are taking. To decrease the risk of side effects, your doctor might advise you to begin this medication at a low dose and gradually increase it. Pay close attention to your doctor's instructions. Make sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription medications).

To get the most out of this medication, take it on a routine basis. Take it at the same time every day.

Don’t stop taking this medication suddenly without first asking your doctor. When this drug is abruptly discontinued, some conditions (such as seizures) may worsen. It is possible that your dose will need to be gradually reduced.

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Oxcarbazepine Side Effects

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Precautions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease or a mineral imbalance, before using this medication (low level of sodium in the blood).

This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.

Younger children may be more susceptible to the drug's side effects, particularly infections.

This medication should not be used during pregnancy. It might harm an unborn child. However, because there is the risk of untreated seizures that can harm both pregnant women and their unborn child, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to. If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss the positive and negative consequences of using this medication during pregnancy with your doctor right away. Because hormonal birth control may not be effective when combined with this medication (see also the Drug Interactions section), consult your doctor about reliable forms of birth control.

This medication is excreted in breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Before you begin breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

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Interactions

Orlistat is a product that may interact with this medication.

This medication can either accelerate or slow the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Cobicistat, elvitegravir, certain drugs used to treat chronic hepatitis C, and rilpivirine are among the affected drugs.

This medication may reduce the efficacy of hormonal birth control methods such as pills, patches, or rings. This could result in pregnancy. Consult your doctor about whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while taking this medication. Also, notify your doctor if you notice any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding.

Check the labels of all your medications because they might contain drowsy ingredients. Inquire with your pharmacist about how to use those products safely.

Oxcarbazepine is a drug that is very similar to eslicarbazepine. When taking oxcarbazepine, do not take any medications that contain eslicarbazepine.

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Overdose

If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, seek medical advice. Never take more than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take any dose or by mistake miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already time for the next dose, skip the forgotten dose. Take your next medicine dose at the regular time schedule. Do not double the dose.

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Storage

The medicine should not come in direct contact with heat, air, and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine might cause some harmful effects or serious side effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

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Oxcarbazepine vs Lamotrigine

Citations

Oxcarbazepine | Drugs