Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal, Oxtellar XR): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects
What Is Oxcarbazepine And What Does It Treat?
Oxcarbazepine is an antiepileptic medication first approved for use in the United States in 2000. Oxcarbazepine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain this action prevents and controls seizures. It is approved for the treatment of partial seizures.
Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is used alone or in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures in adults and children. Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets (Oxtellar XR) are used in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
Oxcarbazepine may also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for nerve pain or as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. “Off-label” means that it hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. Your mental health provider should justify his or her thinking in recommending an “off-label” treatment. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options.
Is oxcarbazepine a controlled substance?
Oxcarbazepine is not listed as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and it does not show up in drug tests. However, studies suggest that oxcarbazepine can interfere with carbamazepine immunoassay and may produce a false-positive GC-MS drug screen.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Oxcarbazepine?
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine, even when you feel better. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine. Missing doses of oxcarbazepine may increase your risk for a relapse in your mood symptoms.
Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine or change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider first.
In order for oxcarbazepine to work properly, it should be taken every day as ordered by your healthcare provider.
Periodically, your healthcare provider may ask you to provide a blood sample to make sure the appropriate level of medication is in your body and to assess for side effects, such as changes in blood cell counts and sodium levels.
What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Oxcarbazepine?
• Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most
• If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
• Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects
• If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication.
• Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have
• All other medications you are currently taking (including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any medication allergies you have
• Other non-medication treatments you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• If you drink alcohol or use illegal drugs
How Should I Take Oxcarbazepine?
Oxcarbazepine is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food.
Typically, patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.
The dose usually ranges from 900-1200 mg per day. People taking this medication for seizure control may take up to 2400 mg daily. Only your healthcare provider can determine the correct dose for you.
Oxcarbazepine suspension: Measure your dose with a dosing spoon or oral syringe, which you can get from your pharmacy. Before using, shake the bottle well to ensure the medicine is mixed thoroughly. Your dose can be mixed in a small glass of water just prior to taking or may be swallowed directly from the dosing spoon.
Use a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member or a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Oxcarbazepine?
If you miss a dose of oxcarbazepine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your dose or take more than what is prescribed.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Oxcarbazepine?
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking oxcarbazepine. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation, dizziness) of the medication.
What Happens If I Overdose With Oxcarbazepine?
If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. A specific treatment to reverse the effects of oxcarbazepine does not exist.
How Long Does It Take For Oxcarbazepine To Work?
It is very important to tell your doctor how you feel things are going during the first few weeks after you start taking oxcarbazepine and whether or not you are experiencing any side effects from the medication. It will probably take several weeks to see big enough changes in your symptoms to decide if oxcarbazepine is the right medication for you.
Mood stabilizer treatment is generally needed lifelong for persons with bipolar disorder. Your doctor can best discuss the duration of treatment you need based on your symptoms and illness.
Can a pregnant woman use Oxcarbazepine?
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare provider so that he/she can best manage your medications. People living with bipolar disorder who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers.
Oxcarbazepine has been associated with an increased risk of craniofacial defects and heart malformations. There may be precautions to decrease the risk of this effect. Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine without first speaking to your healthcare provider. Discontinuing mood stabilizer medications during pregnancy has been associated with a significant increase in symptom relapse.
Can a breastfeeding woman use Oxcarbazepine?
Regarding breastfeeding, caution is advised since oxcarbazepine does pass into breast milk. However new studies reveal that in most cases, oxcarbazepine levels in breastmilk are low and it is not expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. A safety scoring system finds oxcarbazepine possible to use cautiously during breastfeeding.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Oxcarbazepine?
Common side effects
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Vision changes
• Nausea/vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Uncoordinated movements
• Tremor
Is Oxcarbazepine a safe medication?
This medicine is safe when used as prescribed. However, Oxcarbazepine can cause a decrease in the body’s sodium level. Some signs of low sodium include nausea, tiredness, lack of energy, headache, confusion, or more frequent or more severe seizures.
Oxcarbazepine may also cause allergic reactions or serious problems which may affect organs and other parts of your body like the liver or blood cells. You may or may not have a rash with these types of reactions.
In rare cases (<1%), a severe spreading rash with blistering of the skin in patches over the entire body along with fever, headache, and cough can occur (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Although this is rare with oxcarbazepine, discontinuation of this medication is necessary. Rare cases of severe allergic reactions have been reported. Symptoms include swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing. If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to seek medical care immediately.
Studies have found that individuals who take antiepileptic medications including oxcarbazepine may be twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors as individuals who take placebo (inactive medication). These thoughts or behaviors are rare and occurred in approximately 1 in 500 patients taking the antiepileptic class of medications. If you experience any thoughts or impulses to hurt yourself, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Are There Any Risks For Taking Oxcarbazepine For Long Periods Of Time?
To date, there are no known problems associated with long-term use of oxcarbazepine. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
It is important to note that some of the side effects listed above (particularly changes in blood sodium, rash, and suicidal thoughts) may continue to occur or worsen if you continue taking the medication. It is important to follow up with your doctor for blood work and to contact your doctor immediately if you notice any skin rash or changes in mood or behavior.
What Other Medications May Interact With Oxcarbazepine?
The seizure medications phenobarbital and phenytoin may decrease the effects of oxcarbazepine.
Oxcarbazepine may increase the effects of phenobarbital and phenytoin.
Oxcarbazepine may decrease the level and effects of:
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Anti-rejection medications used in organ transplants, like tacrolimus (Prograf®) and cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®)
• Certain blood pressure medications, such as amlodipine (Norvasc®) or felodipine (Plendil®)
