Trileptal
Oxcarbazepine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Trileptal
Trileptal is an anticonvulsant medicine and it acts by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Trileptal
Trileptal is used for treatment of certain types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It may be used alone or in combination with other anti-epileptic medicines. It can also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Trileptal
Use Trileptal as directed by your doctor as follows:
- Trileptal may be taken on full stomach or on empty stomach.
- Take all doses on time to keep the level of medicine in your blood constant, which is very important. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals. Do not skip any dose of Trileptal. Taking it at the same times every day also help you to remember to take it.
- Keep taking Trileptal even if you feel better without missing any dose. Trileptal works best when constant level of Trileptal is maintained in your body.
- If you have to stop Trileptal, this should be done gradually, as there may be increased risk of seizures if Trileptal is suddenly stopped.
If You Miss a Dose of Trileptal
If you miss a dose of Trileptal, take it as soon as you can remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at a time for the missed dose.
How to Store Trileptal
Trileptal should be stored at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). But it can be stored for a brief period of time at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light, in a tightly closed light resistant container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Trileptal out of the reach of children.
More Information About Trileptal
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor. Trileptal should be taken by the patient only for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with others and do not use it for other medical conditions.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Trileptal
Do not use Trileptal if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Trileptal and consult your doctor right away. Important notes about Trileptal:
- Use Trileptal with caution. Trileptal may cause dizziness, drowsiness, changes in vision (like blurring of vision), or difficulty with coordination. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform other unsafe and risky tasks which require constant attention and monitoring, until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness like sleep aids, muscle relaxants etc. while you are on Trileptal as it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist or other health care providers 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 Trileptal. Avoid activities where loss of consciousness could be dangerous to you or others like driving, swimming, climbing, operating heavy machinery etc.
- Hormonal birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills) may not work while you are using Trileptal. To prevent unwanted pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control like condoms.
- Trileptal may cause sunburned more easily and you should avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths while using Trileptal. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Trileptal, dose of which must be gradually decreased when withdrawn. Consult your doctor about the proper way to stop Trileptal.
- Lab tests, including blood sodium levels, may be performed while you use Trileptal. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. You must keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Trileptal should not be used in children younger than 2 years old due to non establishment of safety and effectiveness in these children.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Trileptal if you are pregnant as it may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Trileptal, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Trileptal while you are pregnant. Trileptal is found in breast milk and do not breast-feed while using Trileptal.
- Notify your doctor if seizure is not under control or it worsens.
- Carry identification (e.g., MedicAlert) if Trileptal is used for seizures and carry it at all times that says you take Trileptal.
Possible Adverse Effects of Trileptal
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, acne, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, indigestion, stomach pain, tiredness, tremor, insomnia, unusual walk etc. are the minor and common side effects of Trileptal. Consult your doctor if any of these common and minor side effects become persistent or they are bothering you.
- Seek medical attention right away if you experience any severe side effects of Trileptal. The severe side effects of Trileptal are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in stool, dark urine; decreased urination; difficulty speaking, chest pain, joint pain, stomach pain, double vision, changes in vision, or involuntary eye movement; dulled sense of touch, infection (manifested by fever, chills, or sore throat), loss of coordination; low sodium levels (manifested by nausea, general body discomfort, headache, lack of energy; confusion, decreased consciousness, increased frequency or severity of seizures), mental and/or mood changes, nosebleed; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; swollen lymph nodes; trouble walking; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) etc.