OXCARBAZEPINUM (TRILEPTAL) INDICATIONS
Oxcarbazepinum is used for treating certain types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Oxcarbazepinum is an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
OXCARBAZEPINUM (TRILEPTAL) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Oxcarbazepinum as directed by your doctor.
- Take Oxcarbazepinum by mouth 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 Oxcarbazepinum at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Oxcarbazepinum even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Oxcarbazepinum works best when there is a constant level of it in your body.
- If Oxcarbazepinum is stopped, it should be done gradually. The risk of seizures may be increased if Oxcarbazepinum is suddenly stopped.
- If you miss a dose of Oxcarbazepinum, take 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 take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Oxcarbazepinum.
OXCARBAZEPINUM (TRILEPTAL) STORAGE
Store Oxcarbazepinum at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Oxcarbazepinum out of the reach of children and away from pets.
OXCARBAZEPINUM (TRILEPTAL) MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient:Oxcarbazepine.
Do NOT use Oxcarbazepinum if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Oxcarbazepinum.
Some medical conditions may interact with Oxcarbazepinum. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you are allergic to carbamazepine
- if you have kidney or liver problems or low blood sodium levels
- if you have a history of mental or mood problems or suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some medicines may interact with Oxcarbazepinum. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or phenobarbital because the risk of side effects of both medicines may be increased or decreased
- Isotretinoin because it may decrease Oxcarbazepinum's effectiveness
- Cyclosporine, felodipine, hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills), or tramadol because their effectiveness may be decreased by Oxcarbazepinum
- Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Oxcarbazepinum and the side effects of both medicines may be increased.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Oxcarbazepinum may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Oxcarbazepinum 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 Oxcarbazepinum with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible 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 Oxcarbazepinum; 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 Oxcarbazepinum. Avoid activities where loss of consciousness could be dangerous to you or others (eg, driving, swimming, climbing, operating heavy machinery).
- Carry identification (eg, MedicAlert) if Oxcarbazepinum is used for seizures. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Oxcarbazepinum.
- Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Oxcarbazepinum. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
- Oxcarbazepinum may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Oxcarbazepinum. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Oxcarbazepinum. Oxcarbazepinum must be gradually decreased when discontinued. Talk to your doctor about the proper way to stop Oxcarbazepinum.
- Notify your doctor if seizure control worsens.
- Lab tests, including sodium blood levels, may be performed while you use Oxcarbazepinum. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Oxcarbazepinum should not be used in children younger 2 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Oxcarbazepinum 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 Oxcarbazepinum while you are pregnant. Oxcarbazepinum is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using Oxcarbazepinum.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, 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; unusual hoarseness); 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; joint pain; loss of coordination; low sodium levels (nausea; general body discomfort; headache; lack of energy; confusion; decreased consciousness; increased frequency or severity of seizures); mental/mood changes; nosebleed; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or actions; swollen lymph nodes; trouble walking; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.