What is Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)?
Trileptal, also known as oxcarbazepine, is a prescription medication used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. Trileptal works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing the occurrence of seizures and mood swings. It is typically taken orally, either as a tablet or oral suspension, and the dosage may vary based on individual needs. Trileptal is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other medications. It is important to follow the prescribed regimen, regularly monitor blood levels, and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, potential side effects, and any concerns during treatment.
Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
| Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
What is Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)?
Trileptal is a medication prescribed to treat seizures, convulsions or epilepsy in adults and children.
Trileptal belongs to the drug class, anticonvulsants. This medication work by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures.
Trileptal is not recommended:
- If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to Trileptal or ingredients in Trileptal
- If you are pregnant
- For patients under 2 years of age
What are the Indications for Trileptal?
Trileptal is approved for:
- Adults: monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures.
- Children 4 years and above: monotherapy in the treatment of partial seizures.
- Children 2 years and above: adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures.
How is Trileptal used?
Storage
Trileptal should be stored at room temperature 25°C (77°F) in its original packaging away from heat and moisture.
Store the oral suspension in its original container. Shake it well before using it. Use it within 7 weeks of first opening the bottle.
Keep it out of reach of children.
Instruction
Take Trileptal by mouth, as directed by your doctor, with or without food at the same time every day. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, split, or crush the capsule or tablet.
Before using Trileptal oral suspension, shake the bottle well and prepare the dose immediately. Use a syringe or medicine spoon to measure the prescribed amount from the bottle. You can swallow Trileptal oral suspension undiluted or you can mix it with a small amount of water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, only take one dose. Do not catch up by taking two doses at once.
Do not change your dosage and take more than what is prescribed, or stop using Trileptal without consulting with your doctor. If you took more than what is prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
Do not stop taking Trileptal suddenly as your seizures may become worse. If you need to stop taking Trileptal, speak to your doctor about the best way to do so. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Dosage
Trileptal is available in tablet form in the following strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg and 600 mg.
It is also available as an oral suspension of 300 mg/5 mL (60 mg/mL)
The usual starting dose for adults is 300 mg administered orally twice a day without or without food for several weeks. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dosage depending on how well it’s working for you.
Children’s dosage is based on their weight.
Side Effects
It’s important to understand that although Trileptal is FDA approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.
Before starting Trileptal, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Trileptal, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own.
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Balance or coordination problems
- Tremors or shaking
- Double vision
- Rash
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while taking Trileptal may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble concentrating
- Problems with your speech or language
- Trouble with walking and coordination
- Low sodium level: nausea, tiredness, headache, confusion, more frequent or more severe seizures.
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling, hives, painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes, fatigue, muscle pain, yellowing of your skin or eyes, unusual bruising/bleeding.
- Infections: fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, cough.
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings & Precaution
Before using Trileptal, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to Trileptal or any ingredients in Trileptal
- If you have any psychiatric problems or thoughts of suicide
- If you have any liver or kidney problems
- If you use alcohol or other substances
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Dermatological reactions
Serious dermatological reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in children and adults while using Trileptal. This may be life-threatening, so please contact your doctor if you experience any reaction.
Low sodium levels
Trileptal can cause low sodium levels and can become serious if left untreated. Symptoms include headache, confusion, weakness or unsteadiness and trouble concentrating.
Suicidal thoughts
Although it’s rare, you can have thoughts of suicide when taking Trileptal. Please contact your doctor or the emergency room immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol while taking Trileptal, you may have an increased risk of developing certain side effects, such as dizziness or sleepiness.
Birth control
Trileptal can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about any non-hormonal birth control, like condoms or a diaphragm with spermicide.
Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant
Do not start or stop taking Trileptal during pregnancy without speaking to your doctor. If you have a seizure while pregnant, it could harm you and your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while on Trileptal, or plan to become pregnant, let you doctor know immediately.
Breastfeeding or Planning to Breastfeed
Limited clinical studies show that only a small amount of Trileptal is passed through human milk. Speak to your doctor to discuss the risks if are taking Trileptal and you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions & Contraindications
Before using Trileptal, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.
Eslicarbazepine
Do not take Trileptal if you are hypersensitive to oxcarbazepine or to any of its components, or to eslicarbazepine acetate.
Anaphylactic Reactions and Angioedema
This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction.