trileptal

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is an anticonvulsant, or antiepileptic drug. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures.

Trileptal is used either alone or with other medicines to treat partial seizures.

Trileptal is used as a single medicine in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Trileptal is used with other medicines in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Important information

Trileptal can reduce the sodium in your body to dangerously low levels, which can cause a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. Call your doctor right away if you have headache, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, shallow breathing, and/or increased or more severe seizures.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Trileptal if you are allergic to oxcarbazepine.

To make sure Trileptal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• depression, or a mood disorder;

• a history of suicidal thoughts or actions;

• if you are allergic to carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol).

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Trileptal. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

FDA pregnancy category C. Do not start or stop taking Trileptal during pregnancy without your doctor"s advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Trileptal for seizures.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of Trileptal on the baby.

Oxcarbazepine can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking oxcarbazepine.

Oxcarbazepine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Trileptal.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. There are specific age restrictions for the use of Trileptal in children, depending on the dose form and whether it is used alone or with other medicines.

How should I take Trileptal?

Take Trileptal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Give the 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.

You may take the Trileptal oral liquid or tablet with or without food.

Do not stop using Trileptal suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

While using Trileptal, you may need frequent blood tests.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Trileptal. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are using oxcarbazepine.

Seizures are often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor"s advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid 7 weeks after opening the bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Trileptal?

Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of oxcarbazepine. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.

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 may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Trileptal side effects

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

Trileptal can reduce the sodium in your body to dangerously low levels, which can cause a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. Call your doctor right away if you have headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, shallow breathing, and/or increased or more severe seizures.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, 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.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• increased seizures (or more severe seizures);

• sores around your eyes;

• painful mouth sores, trouble swallowing;

• problems with speech, balance, or walking;

• liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• signs of inflammation in your body - swollen glands, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), chest pain, new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing; or

• severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common Trileptal side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;

• headache;

• weakness, balance problems;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion;

• tremors or shaking;

• vision problems, double vision; or

• fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms (in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Trileptal?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking Trileptal with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or depression.

Many other drugs can interact with oxcarbazepine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.