Oxcarbazepine Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Oxcarbazepine Tablet (generic name oxcarbazepine) is a dibenzazepine anticonvulsant used to prevent and control partial (focal) seizures in people with epilepsy. It is sold under the brand name Trileptal and may be used alone or together with other seizure medicines, depending on age. It works by calming overactive nerves in the brain to reduce seizure activity.

What is Oxcarbazepine Tablet

Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant medicine used to prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy. It is sold under the brand name Trileptal.

Oxcarbazepine Tablet uses

• Treating partial (focal) seizures, used alone or together with other seizure medicines
• Used alone in adults and children at least 4 years old (Trileptal brand)
• Used with other medicines in adults and children at least 2 years old (Trileptal brand) or at least 6 years old (Oxtellar XR brand)

Benefits of Oxcarbazepine Tablet

• Helps control partial-onset seizures
• Can reduce seizure frequency
• May be used alone or alongside other antiseizure medicines
• Helps stabilize abnormal electrical activity in the brain
• Available for both pediatric and adult seizure treatment when appropriately prescribed

How Oxcarbazepine Tablet works

Oxcarbazepine works by calming overactive nerves and decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain.

Oxcarbazepine Tablet dosage

Take this medicine by mouth, following the directions on your prescription label. You may take the oral liquid or regular tablet with or without food. Take the extended-release tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, and swallow it whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.

Shake the oral suspension before measuring a dose, and use a proper dosing syringe or measuring device, not a kitchen spoon. Take your doses at regular intervals and do not take the medicine more often than directed.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral suspension (liquid)
• Oral tablet
• Oral tablet, extended release

Side effects of Oxcarbazepine Tablet

Common

• Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness
• Balance or coordination problems
• Nausea, vomiting
• Tremors or shaking
• Double vision
• Rash
• Headache
• Difficulty with attention, memory, or speech
• Slow or sluggish body movements

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Serious skin reaction with rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of skin or eyes
• Low sodium levels causing nausea, lack of energy, confusion, feeling tired or irritable, severe weakness, muscle pain, or increased seizures
• Mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, restlessness, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Infection signs such as fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• New or worsening seizures

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can lower sodium levels in your body to dangerously low amounts, which can be a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as this may cause increased seizures.
• Some people taking seizure medicines have thoughts of suicide. Watch for changes in mood or behavior and report them to your doctor.
• This medicine can cause serious skin reactions that may appear weeks to months after starting treatment, including rash with fever, swollen lymph nodes, or blistering and peeling skin.
• This medicine can make hormonal birth control pills less effective, so ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal method of birth control.
• Do not start or stop taking oxcarbazepine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice, since having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor right away. Your name may be added to a pregnancy registry that tracks the medicine's effects on the baby.
• You should not breastfeed while taking oxcarbazepine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease before taking this medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, since it can increase certain side effects and may increase the risk of seizures.
• Avoid driving or doing anything that requires alertness or coordination until you know how this medicine affects you, since your reactions could be impaired.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Throw away any unused liquid 7 weeks after opening the bottle.
• Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed.
• Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Seek medical care if you have signs of a serious drug reaction, such as skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Call your doctor right away if you have signs of low sodium levels, such as nausea, lack of energy, confusion, feeling tired or irritable, severe weakness, muscle pain, or increased seizures.
• Tell your doctor about any new or worsening mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, restlessness, or thoughts of hurting yourself.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Levetiracetam
• Carbamazepine
• Topiramate