Trileptal

Trileptal

Generic Name: oxcarbazepine (ox kar BAY zeh peen)

Brand Names: Trileptal

What is Trileptal?

Trileptal is in a group of drugs called anticonvulsants, or antiepileptic drugs. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures.

Trileptal is used to treat partial seizures in adults and children with epilepsy who are at least 2 years old. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines.

Trileptal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Trileptal

Do not take Trileptal if you are allergic to oxcarbazepine or to a similar medicine called carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol).

Before taking Trileptal, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.

Do not use Trileptal without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. This medication should not be used during pregnancy, but taking the medicine can make birth control pills less effective. Use a non-hormone method of birth control (not birth control pills) to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Trileptal. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Trileptal can reduce the sodium in your body to dangerously low levels, which can cause a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. Contact your doctor right away if you have nausea with vomiting, weakness, headache, confusion, mood changes, and/or increased or more severe seizures.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Trileptal. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

There are many other medicines that can interact with Trileptal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Before taking Trileptal

Do not take Trileptal if you are allergic to oxcarbazepine or to a similar medicine called carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol).

Before taking Trileptal, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. If you have any of these conditions you may not be able to use this medication, or you may require a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Trileptal. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category D. Trileptal can cause harm to an unborn baby. Trileptal should not be used during pregnancy, but taking the medicine can make birth control pills less effective. Use a non-hormone method of birth control (not birth control pills) to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Trileptal. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Oxcarbazepine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Trileptal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old.

See also: Trileptal pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Trileptal?

Take Trileptal exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take this medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take Trileptal with a full glass of water. Shake the Trileptal oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, use the oral dosing syringe provided with this medicine. If you did not receive an oral syringe with your medication, ask your pharmacist for one.

Give the Trileptal oral liquid directly from the oral syringe, or mix the medicine with a small glass of water. After using the syringe, rinse it with water and allow it to air dry.

Do not stop taking this medication even if you feel better. It is important to take Trileptal regularly to prevent seizures from recurring. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Call your doctor promptly if this medicine does not seem to be working as well in preventing your seizures. Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Trileptal, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you have a seizure disorder.

Seizures are often treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Store Trileptal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Trileptal dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an Trileptal overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Trileptal?

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Trileptal can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not drink alcohol while taking Trileptal. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by Trileptal. It may also increase the risk of seizures.

Trileptal Side Effects

Trileptal can reduce the sodium in your body to dangerously low levels, which can cause a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. Contact your doctor right away if you have nausea, vomiting, weakness, thirst, loss of appetite, headache, confusion, hallucinations, muscle pain or weakness, and/or increased or more severe seizures.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Trileptal: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms;

easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

urinating less than usual or not at all; or

increased seizures.

Less serious Trileptal side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;

problems with speech, balance, or coordination;

blurred vision;

mental slowness, trouble concentrating;

tremors or shaking;

dizziness, drowsiness; or

skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Trileptal side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Trileptal?

Before using Trileptal, tell your doctor about all other seizure medications you are taking, including:

carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

phenytoin (Dilantin); or

valproic acid (Depakene).

There are many other medicines that can interact with Trileptal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

More Trileptal resources

Trileptal Side Effects (in More Detail)

Trileptal Dosage

Trileptal Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Drug Images

Trileptal Drug Interactions

Trileptal Support Group

30 Reviews for Trileptal - Add your own review/rating

Trileptal Prescribing Information (FDA)

Trileptal MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Trileptal Monograph (AHFS DI)

Trileptal Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Oxcarbazepine Prescribing Information (FDA)

Oxcarbazepine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Trileptal with other medications

Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

Seizures

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about Trileptal.

What does my medication look like?

Oxcarbazepine is available with a prescription under the brand name Trileptal. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Trileptal 150 mg - pale green-grey oval-shaped tablet

Trileptal 300 mg - yellow oval-shaped tablet

Trileptal 600 mg - light pink oval-shaped tablet

Trileptal Suspension (60 mg/mL)- off-white to slightly brown or red liquid