Trileptal

The active ingredient in Trileptal is oxcarbazepine. Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is a sodium channel blocker, which is an antiepileptic medication. It's unclear exactly how Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) treats seizures. Oxcarbazepine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Trileptal. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Trileptal:

Before measuring a dose, shake the liquid Trileptal oral suspension. Use a medication dose-measuring tool (not a kitchen spoon) or the supplied dosing syringe.

Either mix the medication with a small glass of water or provide the liquid straight from the oral syringe. Rinse the syringe with water after use and let it air dry.

Trileptal oral liquid or tablets can be taken with or without food.

You could require blood tests regularly.

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use Trileptal.

The most common side effects of Trileptal seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Upper respiratory tract infections like a sore throat or runny nose.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Heartburn.
• Drowsiness.
• Tiredness or confusion.
• Sleepiness.
• Weight gain.
• Low sodium levels including muscle weakness.
• Low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia).
• Anaphylaxis.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Trileptal. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Hives, skin rash, blisters, fever, lip or tongue swelling, swelling of the face, breathing difficulties, and skin reddening are examples of severe allergic reactions.
• Serious skin reactions.
• Unconsciousness, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), headaches, double vision, nausea, and exhaustion are all signs of low blood-salt levels.
• Suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Worsening partial seizures.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Trileptal. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Trileptal, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

Liver disease or kidney problems.

Mood swings (bipolar disorder) or thoughts of suicide.

A carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) allergy.

Oxcarbazepine can make birth control pills or oral contraceptives less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol use may raise the risk of seizures and certain adverse consequences.

Steer clear of dehydration or overheating when exercising, in hot weather, or by consuming insufficient fluids. Observe your physician's recommendations regarding the kind and quantity of liquids you should consume.

Until you know how this medication may impact you, stay away from driving and other dangerous activities. You might not react as well.

• Previous hypersensitivity to eslicarbazepine, or Aptiom.

Depending on your condition and dosage, the time it takes for Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) to start controlling seizures can vary from person to person. Remember that to reduce the possibility of adverse effects, your doctor will first prescribe a lower dosage of Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) when you start treatment. To reach the required dosage, your doctor will gradually increase your dosage over a few weeks. Clinical research results showed that individuals who took appropriate dosages of Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) for two to three months experienced fewer seizures than those who took a placebo.

When Trileptal is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Phenobarbital.
• Phenytoin.
• Felodipine.
• Lamotrigine.
• Valproic acid.

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) typical dosage forms:

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) oral suspension (liquid) and immediate-release tablet

Individuals who are at least 17 years old: 300 mg taken orally twice a day is the usual dosage. Your doctor will gradually increase your dosage over the course of two to four weeks if necessary.

Individuals between the ages of two and seventeen: Usually, the initial dosage is 8–10 mg/kg of body weight (up to 600 mg), divided into two doses, and taken orally twice a day. Your child's doctor will gradually increase their dosage over the course of two to four weeks if necessary. Depending on the patient's age, body weight, and whether they are taking any additional antiepileptic drugs, the usual maintenance dose is between 900 and 2,100 mg per day.

Oxtellar XR, an extended-release pill of oxcarbazepine

For individuals who are 17 years of age or older: 600 mg taken orally once daily is the usual starting dosage. Your doctor will increase your dosage once a week if necessary. Daily dosage recommendations often fall between 1,200 and 2,400 mg.

Six to under seventeen years old: The dosage for your child will be decided by their healthcare practitioner based on their body weight. A starting dose of 8–10 mg/kg body weight is usually administered orally once a day, with a maximum of 600 mg. 900–1,800 mg per day is the usual maintenance dose, which varies based on your child's weight.

Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Novartis is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Trileptal.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Trileptal.

Even if you are feeling well, do not abruptly discontinue taking oxcarbazepine. Abruptly stopping could result in further seizures. When it comes to tapering your dosage, heed your doctor's advice.

During pregnancy, never begin or stop taking Trileptal without first consulting your doctor. Pregnancy-related seizures can be harmful to both the mother and the unborn child. If you become pregnant while taking oxcarbazepine for seizures, notify your doctor immediately.

To monitor the effects of oxcarbazepine on the unborn child, your name can be added to a pregnancy registry if you are expecting.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. However, it is not advised to take this medication while breastfeeding as it could pass through the breast milk.