Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)

What is Trileptal?

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is an anticonvulsant or anti-epileptic medicine.

What is Trileptal used for?

Trileptal is indicated for the treatment of seizure disorders (epilepsy).  It is used in adults and children aged 2 years and above.

How does Trileptal work?

Trileptal works by decreasing seizure-causing nerve impulses.

How to use Trileptal

Trileptal should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken twice daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

If you are taking the liquid form of the medicine, shake the oral suspension well before use. It is advisable to use the oral dosing syringe that comes with the medicine. You can take the oral liquid directly from oral syringe or mix it with a small glass of water. After each use, rinse the syringe with water and allow it to dry.

Trileptal warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol).  Prior to taking Trileptal, tell your doctor if you are suffering from a kidney or liver disease. 

While using Trileptal, avoid drinking alcohol or performing activities that require alertness, for example driving. Also avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated especially in hot weather or during exercise.

Pregnant women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors as the drug may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. Trileptal can pass into breast milk and might harm a nursing baby. Hence, lactating women should not use this drug unless prescribed by the doctor.

It is important to note that the medicine is not to be administered to children below the age of 2 years.

What do I do if I have missed a Trileptal dose?

If you have missed your Trileptal dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Trileptal overdose?

If you have taken a Trileptal overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Trileptal interactions

Before taking Trileptal, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like Phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakene). Such drugs can interact with Trileptal.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements that you may be using. Do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Trileptal side effects

Trileptal side effects include hives, nausea, vomiting, increased thirst, unusual weakness, loss of appetite, confusion, headache with severe blistering, muscle pain or weakness, hallucinations, increased frequency of seizures or more severe seizures, mood changes, anxiety, depression, behavior changes, restlessness, hyperactivity (mental or physical), sore throat, fever, swollen glands, bruising, bleeding, peeling skin, red skin rash, jaundice, decreased urination, breathing trouble, swelling and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Trileptal, contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, dizziness, drowsiness, skin rash, concentration troubles, mental slowness; problems with vision, speech, balance or coordination are some less serious side effects from Trileptal.