Brand: Trileptal
Generic: Oxcarbazepine
Trileptal is an anticonvulsant drug used alone or in combination with another drug for the treatment of epilepsy to control partial seizures.
This drug works in the brain to prevent seizures. This drug is not a cure for epilepsy and will only control seizures for as long as you continue to take it. This drug requires a prescription.
Before using Trileptal, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.
Studies in children 2 years of age and older have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of oxcarbazepine suspension or tablets.
Studies in children 6 years of age and older have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets. The use of the extended-release tablets is not recommended in children younger than 6 years of age.
Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of oxcarbazepine. Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney problems. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.
Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.
Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper usage of Trileptal requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. The oral liquid or regular tablet can be taken with or without food. The extended-release tablet must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
The extended-release tablet must be swallowed whole. Crushing, breaking, or chewing the food is not recommended. The bottle must be shaken well before measuring the dose. Use the oral dosing syringe supplied in the package to measure each dose accurately.
The dose of the drug can be mixed in a small glass of water just before taking it or you may swallow it directly from the syringe. After each use, close the bottle and rinse the syringe with warm water and allow it to dry completely before the next use.
Do not stop using this drug suddenly without talking to your healthcare professional. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.
The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
Adults with seizures are given 600 milligrams once a day with other drugs. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary. The dose must not exceed 2400 mg per day. Older adults are given 300 or 450 mg once a day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary.
The dose in children 6 to 17 years of age is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional.
The starting dose is 8 to 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day as a single dose. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary. The dose must not exceed 1800 mg per day. Use in children younger than 6 years of age is not recommended.
The dose in children 4 to 16 years of age is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The starting dose is 8 to 10 milligrams per kilogram kg) of body weight per day, divided into two doses. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary.
The dose in children 2 to 4 years of age is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The starting dose is 8 to 10 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into two doses.
For patients weighing less than 20 kg, the starting dose is 16 to 20 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into two doses. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary.
Use and dose in children younger than 2 years of age must be determined by your healthcare professional. Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older switching from another drug to oxcarbazepine are initially given 300 milligrams two times a day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary. The dose must not exceed 2400 mg per day.
The dose in children 4 to 16 years of age is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The starting dose is 8 to 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into two doses. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary. Use and dose in children younger than 4 years of age must be determined by your healthcare professional.
Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older who are not taking any seizure drug are initially given 300 milligrams two times a day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary. The dose must not exceed 1200 mg per day.
A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.
Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.
Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
Before using Trileptal, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests.
Inform your healthcare professional if you become pregnant while taking this drug. You will be monitored carefully during your pregnancy and after giving birth. This drug can cause hyponatremia.
Discuss any unusual or strange thoughts and behavior while taking this drug with your healthcare professional. Other changes might be confusion, worsening of depression, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.
This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, clumsiness, unsteadiness, or reduced alertness. Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous.
This drug can temporarily cause leukopenia which increases the chance of getting an infection. People with infections should be avoided.
Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you think you have a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.
Discuss with your healthcare professional before you take other drugs. This drug will potentiate the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants such as:
Oral contraceptives containing estrogen or progestin, contraceptive progestin injections and contraceptive implant forms of progestin may not work properly if you take them while you are taking oxcarbazepine which can cause unplanned pregnancies.
You should use a different or additional means of birth control while you are taking oxcarbazepine. Check with your healthcare professional for any concerns.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Trileptal. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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