Oxcarbazepine

Known as

Trileptal

Uses

Effective against partial seizures (including secondary generalized tonic-clonic) and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Ineffective against or may worsen absence, myoclonic, or tonic/atonic seizures.

How to Use

  • Loading dose: 300 to 600 mg per day
  • Maintenance dose: 900 to 2400 mg per day, bidaily or tridaily

Side Effects

Oxcarbazepine produces less adverse effects than carbamazepine, a closely related drug. It may cause nervous system toxicity (somnolence, diplopia), rash or hyponatremia (low blood sodium).

Precautions

Care must be taken when converting from carbamazepine. Blood levels of oxcarbazepine may go up as the hepatic effects of carbamazepine disappear.

Interactions

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