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In this Article

• What is oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?
• What are the possible side effects of oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?
• What is the most important information I should know about oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?
• How should I take oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Trileptal)?
• What happens if I overdose (Trileptal)?
• What should I avoid while taking oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?
• What other drugs will affect oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?

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

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

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. 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. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Oxcarbazepine 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 oxcarbazepine. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Oxcarbazepine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I take oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the 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 oxcarbazepine with a full glass of water.

Shake the 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 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 the medication even if you feel better. It is important to take oxcarbazepine 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 oxcarbazepine, 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 oxcarbazepine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.