Drug Name

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)

Drug Uses

Trileptal is used for treating certain types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Trileptal as directed by your doctor.

• Trileptal may be taken with or without food.
• It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medicine in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals. Do not skip doses.
• Taking Trileptal at the same times each day will help you to remember to take it.
• Continue to take Trileptal even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Trileptal works best when there is a constant level of Trileptal in your body.
• If Trileptal is stopped, this should be done gradually. The risk of seizures may be increased if Trileptal is suddenly stopped.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Trileptal is an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Trileptal, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Trileptal at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) are permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Trileptal out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Trileptal if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Trileptal.

• Trileptal may cause dizziness, drowsiness, changes in vision, or difficulty with coordination. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Trileptal with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Trileptal ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• If you have a history of seizures, you may suddenly lose consciousness while you are taking Trileptal . Avoid activities where loss of consciousness could be dangerous to you or others (eg, driving, swimming, climbing, and operating heavy machinery).
• Carry identification (e.g., MedicAlert) if Trileptal is used for seizures. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Trileptal.
• Hormonal birth control (e.g., birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Trileptal . To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (e.g., condoms).
• Trileptal may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Trileptal. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Trileptal. Trileptal must be gradually decreased when discontinued. Talk to your doctor about the proper way to stop Trileptal.
• Notify your doctor if seizure control worsens.
• Lab tests, including sodium blood levels, may be performed while you use Trileptal . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Trileptal should not be used in children younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Trileptal may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Trileptal while you are pregnant. Trileptal is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Trileptal.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• acne; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; tremor; trouble sleeping; unusual walk; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in stool; chest pain; dark urine; decreased urination; difficulty speaking; double vision, changes in vision, or involuntary eye movement; dulled sense of touch; fever, chills, or sore throat; loss of coordination; low sodium levels (nausea; general body discomfort; headache; lack of energy; confusion; decreased consciousness; increased frequency or severity of seizures); joint pain; mental/mood changes; nosebleed; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; stomach pain; seizures; swollen lymph nodes; trouble walking; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Trileptal is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.