Generic Name: Oxcarbazepine (ox-car-BAZE-i-peen)

Used to Treat: epilepsy

Seizure Type: Simple partial

Forms of the medicine:
Pill

Dosing:
600 mg. - 2400 mg.

General Info:
What is Trileptal?
Trileptal (try-LEP-tal) is the brand name for the seizure medicine oxcarbazepine (ox-car-BAZ-eh-peen). Trileptal (Tri-LEP-tal) has similar structure with TegretolXR, Carbatrol, and Epitol (carbamazepine). It is used as single drug therapy and as add-on therapy (adjunctive) in adults and children 4 years of age and older with partial seizures. Trileptal is available in both liquid and tablet forms.

How do I take Trileptal?
Take this medication exactly as it is prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not change your dosage without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work in treating your condition.

Treatment usually starts with just one tablet – either 150 or 300 milligrams – two times each day. The doctor may gradually increase the dosage to get better control of your seizures. Because Trileptal is generally taken twice a day, many people help themselves to remember by taking it with breakfast and dinner. Trileptal may or may not be taken with food depending on your proclivity for upset stomach. Do however try to take the medication in the same manner and at the same time each day. Shake the liquid well just before measuring a dose. To be sure you ingest the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Do not use a regular table spoon. Ask your pharmacist to provide you with one if you do not have a dose-measuring device.

What if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose, unless prescribed by your doctor.

What if I experience side effects?
Various side effects may occur in taking this medicine. Most side effects are not serious and may disappear naturally. Call your doctor if you have any questions concerning your possible side effects. However, do not stop taking your medication without advice from your doctor. They will discuss and recommend possible options. At times it is necessary to continue taking your medication despite these side effects.

There are other side effects that may be serious and indicate that your body is not tolerating the drug properly. Call a doctor right away if these side effects become severe or cause considerable problems in your daily functions. If you experience a change in seizures, severe rash, or allergic reaction contact your doctor immediately as these may indicate potentially life threatening problems.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Seizures that last longer or happen more often than in the past
• Confusion
• Decreased alertness
• Fever
• Swollen glands in the neck or under the arms
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in stools
• Sore throat, cough, chills, and other signs of infection
• Increased , decreased , or painful urination
• Chest pain

Storage
Keep this medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store your prescription at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (i.e. not the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Recommendation for women
Trileptal is a pregnancy category C medicine, meaning animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their doctors before the pregnancy begins.

Other helpful information
If your doctor is converting you to Trileptal from another antiepileptic drug, he or she may gradually reduce the dosage of your current medication. It is important to take your current medication as your doctor directs until your doctor says it is no longer needed. If your doctor is adding Trileptal to an antiepileptic drug you already take, he or she will give you the proper dose of each that will help control your seizures.

Side Effects