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
- increases blood levels of phenytoin
- decreases blood levels of oral contraceptives
- blood levels decreased by phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproate
- blood levels not changed by gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, tiagabine, levetiracetam or zonisamide
- effect of felbamate is unknown
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The material offered at this site is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Although all material presented at this site has been thoroughly researched and is believed to be correct, Epilepsy Ontario accepts no liability. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have. People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
