OXCARBAZEPINE – ORAL (ox-kar-BAY-zih-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Trileptal
USES: This medication is used to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). It may be used with other seizure medications as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily. This drug may be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor’s approval since seizures may reoccur.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, general weakness, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these serious side effects: vision problems, loss of coordination, trouble walking (abnormal gait), uncontrolled muscle movements (tremor), stomach pain. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these unlikely but serious side effects: trouble breathing, mental/mood changes, persistent sore throat or fever. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: chest pain, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, one-sided weakness or slurred speech, bloody diarrhea, bloody or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies (especially to carbamazepine); kidney disease, decreased sodium levels (hyponatremia), recent seizures. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control medication. Alternate forms of birth control (e.g., latex condoms, diaphragm) are recommended during treatment with this medication. Oxcarbazepine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other seizure control medication (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid); calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, felodipine); oral birth control medication. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that make you drowsy, such as: medicine for sleep; sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., hydrocodone, codeine), psychiatric medicines, muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: It is recommended you wear or carry identification indicating you are using this drug. Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., sodium levels, pregnancy tests) may be performed to monitor your therapy.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature (77?F or 25?C) in a tight container away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 – 30 degrees C) is permitted.
