It is sometimes prescribedoff-labeltotreat bipolar disorder.
Oxcarbazepine is available under the brand names Trileptal and Oxtellar XR.
What Is Trileptal Used For?
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Children and adults with epilepsy are commonly prescribed this medication.
Oxcarbazepine has also been used to treat neuropathic pain; however, studies are limited on its efficacy.
Some doctors prescribe it to people with bipolar disorder because it may be an effectivemood stabilizer.
Researchers say that better studies are needed to determine whether Trileptal is truly effective intreating bipolar disorder.
Your kidneys play a major role in processing medication.
Because of this, your doctor will ensure your kidneys are fully functioning.
Side Effects of Trileptal
There are many potential side effects of Trileptal.
Be sure to monitor your symptoms after starting Trileptal and discuss concerns with your doctor.
Trileptal Dosage
Trileptal is available as 150, 300, and 600 mg film-coated tablets.
The dosage for treating bipolar disorder may be similar.
However, doctors often start on the smallest dose possible and increase as needed.
Children are commonly prescribed the liquid form, too.
How to Take and Store
Typically, Trileptal is taken in pill form.
You also can take it as an extended-release pill or liquid.
All forms should be stored in a cool, dry place; no refrigeration is necessary.
If you’re prescribed the liquid, shake the bottle before pouring.
you’re able to take Trileptal with or without food.
You may find it easier to swallow the pill with water.
Don’t take more than prescribed.
If you do, you may experience side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and/or vomiting.
Precautions and Contraindications
Trileptal may have adverse effects on certain people.
Talk to a healthcare provider if any of the following apply to you.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney or liver disease.
These conditions affect how your body processes medication and should be evaluated before taking new medications.
This medication has been associated with craniofacial and heart deformities in some infants.
Trileptal also passes into breast milk, so you shouldn’t breastfeed while taking it.
Tell your prescribing doctor if you are taking hormonal birth control.
Trileptal canreduce its effectiveness, so you’ll need to use additional birth control methods to prevent pregnancy.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
See your healthcare provider for all your follow-up appointments, and take Trileptal precisely as directed.
Symptoms includeheadaches,nausea, confusion, tiredness, and, in severe cases, seizures and coma.
Contact your doctor if you suspect this.
Rare incidents ofanaphylaxisand angioedema have been reported in people taking Trileptal.
These are both potentially fatal allergic reactions.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis are nausea, rash, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery until you have gauged your response to Trileptal.
Some people have experienced decreased motor coordination, slower speech, and fatigue as a result of taking Trileptal.
Do not stop taking Trileptal without consulting with a healthcare provider first.
When stopping Trileptal, you must wean off of it under medical supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinicians prescribe Trileptal mainly to treat partial seizures.
Despite lacking evidence of efficacy, it’s sometimes used to treat neuropathic pain, too.
Symptoms of mania may improve in one to two weeks when treated with Trileptal.
For epilepsy, you may see improvement within two to four days.
Yes, although overdose is rare.
If you’ve overdosed, call 911 or the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
Thehalf-lifeof Trileptal averages about two hours but can range between one and five.
Most people tolerate long-term treatment with Trileptal well and experience only mild to moderate side effects.
People tend to experience the most side effects early in treatment, as the dosage is titrated up.
They’re more apt to occur early in treatment.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine.Oxcarbazepine.
Reber LL, Hernandez JD, Galli SJ.The pathophysiology of anaphylaxis.Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
