Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) is an anticonvulsant. Its work consists of slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain. It can be taken alone or together with other medicines. Your doctor may also prescribe it for treating other conditions.
Use Trileptal in accordance with your doctor’s instructions.
- You can take Trileptal with or without food.
- Do not stop taking Trileptal even if you feel well. Avoid skipping any doses. When there is a constant level of Trileptal in your body, Trileptal gives best results.
- Be careful to take all doses on time to keep constant level of medication in your blood. If Trileptal is stopped, do it gradually. If Trileptal is suddenly stopped, the risk of seizures can increase.
- Take doses at evenly spaced intervals. Avoid skipping doses.
- In order to remember taking Oxcarbazepine, take a dose at the same times each day.
Consult with your health care provider about any aspects of using Trileptal.
If you forget to take a dose of Trileptal, use it as soon as possible. If it is albout time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go return to your routine dosing timetable. Do not take 2 doses simultaneously.
Trileptal should be kept in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). You can keep it for short periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Keep away from heat, moisture, and light. Avoid storing in the bathroom. Keep Trileptal out of the reach of children and pets.
Trileptal Safety information
Avoid using Oxcarbazepine if you have allergy to any ingredient in Trileptal.
Call your doctor or health care provider immediately if any of these are trues you.
Remember:
- Using Trileptal may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, changes in vision, or difficulty with coordination. These effects may worsen if you combine it with certain medicines or alcohol. Use Trileptal cautiously. Avoid driving or performing other possibly dangerous tasks until you find out how you react to it.
- Sudden cancellation of taking Oxcarbazepine is forbidden. Trileptal has to be gradually decreased when discontinued. Consult with your doctor about the right way to discontinue Trileptal.
- Always carry identification (e.g., MedicAlert) if Trileptal is used for seizures. Always carry an ID card that says you take Trileptal.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Trileptal ; it may reinforce their effects. Cosult your pharmacist if you are not sure which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- You may suddenly lose consciousness while you are taking Trileptal, if you have a history of seizures. Do not take activities where loss of consciousness could be harmful to you or others (e.g., swimming, climbing, driving, and operating heavy machinery).
- Hormonal birth control may be not so effective while you are taking Trileptal . To avoid pregnancy, use additional form of birth control (e.g., condoms).
- Taking Trileptal may result that you become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, do not use sunlamps, or tanning booths until you find out your reaction to Trileptal. If you must be outside for more than a short time, wear protective clothing or use a sunscreen.
- Trileptal can be harmful to the fetus. If you suspect pregnancy, call your doctor. You will have to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Trileptal during pregnancy. Trileptal is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding while taking Trileptal.
- Tell your doctor if seizure control worsens.
- While you use Trileptal, lab tests, such as sodium blood levels, may be performed. These tests can be essential to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Avoid skipping any doctor and lab appointments.
- Do not give Trileptal to children younger than 2 years old; effectiveness and safety in these children is unknown.
Trileptal Side effects
Call your doctor if any of these typical side effects endure or bother you:
- acne;
- dizziness or drowsiness;
- dry mouth;
- headache or tiredness;
- indigestion;
- constipation;
- nausea;
- stomach pain;
- trouble sleeping;
- tremor;
- vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately if any of these harsh side effects occur:
- blood in stool; decreased urination; chest pain; dark urine; dulled sense of touch; difficulty speaking; double vision, changes in vision, or involuntary eye movement; fever, chills, or sore throat; loss of coordination; severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; hives; rash; itching; tightness in the chest; swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue); joint pain; mental/mood changes; nosebleed; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; stomach pain; decreased consciousness; swollen lymph nodes; low sodium levels (nausea; headache; lack of energy; general body discomfort; confusion; increased frequency or severity of seizures); trouble walking; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Only by the patient for whom it is prescribed should take Trileptal.
