Type of medicine: antiseizure
Generic and brand names: oxcarbazepine, oral; Trileptal
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat seizures. Adults may take it alone or with other seizure medicine. This medicine may be taken alone or with other seizure medicine in children 2 to 16 years old. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before you take this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
This medicine may make birth control pills less effective. If you need birth control, talk to your healthcare provider about methods that are effective while you are taking this medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not know whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine comes in a tablet and liquid form. If you are taking the liquid, be sure to shake the bottle well before taking a dose. Use a special dose-measuring spoon or cup to measure the correct dose.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Your healthcare provider may increase your dosage, depending on your response and any side effects you may have. Be sure you know exactly how much to take each day and when to take each dose.
Take the medicine with a full glass of water. You may take it with or without food.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually so that you do not start having more seizures.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: drowsiness, trouble walking, lack of coordination, seizures, coma.
Antiseizure medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some people. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or increased thoughts of suicide.
Rarely, this medicine may cause serious skin reactions. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any kind of rash or skin problem while taking this medicine.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or get worse, contact your healthcare provider.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Drinking alcohol may make it worse. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. Carry an ID card or a Medic Alert bracelet. If you become unconscious, the ID tells emergency healthcare providers that you may need special care.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Trouble concentrating; trouble walking or talking; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of skin or eyes; trouble urinating; increased seizures; rash or any skin problem; unexplained fever; swollen lymph nodes and joint pain; extreme drowsiness or confusion; vision changes; loss of coordination.
Other: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, trouble sleeping, nervousness, tiredness, diarrhea, runny nose.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
