Generic Trileptal

Trileptal is generically prescribed as oxcarbazepine and is commonly used either alone or with other medications to control seizures. Trileptal controls the impulses in the brain which stimulate a seizure. Rarely it has been used to treat nerve pain.

Trileptal is not appropriate for everyone and a thorough medical history should be evaluated before prescribing this medication for the first time. Patients with any form of liver disease or kidney disease may not be able to tolerate Trileptal or may require constant monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication as it depends on the disease and the severity of the disease. Patients who drink alcohol heavily should not take Trileptal as alcohol and this medication are likely to increase the potential for seizures. Patients over the age of 60 are more likely to experience adverse effects from this medication.

The American Food and Drug Administration has determined this medication is a pregnancy risk category C. It has yet to be determined whether or not Trileptal will cause harm or birth defects in an unborn baby. Trileptal has been proven to pass into the mother’s breast milk and poses a risk to a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid using this medication with women who are nursing, pregnant, or who have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant.

There is always a risk of side effects when taking a medication and Trileptal is not any different. Some side effects may be severe and may require immediate emergency medical attention. Serious side effects may include an allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing) or low blood sodium, nausea, generalized discomfort, headaches, confusion, extreme drowsiness, central nervous system problems, difficulty concentrating, unclear speech, fatigue, excessive sleepiness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, double vision, back and forth eye movements, various other visual disturbances, or an increase in frequency or intensity of seizures.

More common side effects are also typically less serious and in most cases require no medical care. However, all side effects should be reported to the prescribing physician. The reporting of side effects can help determine the appropriate amount of medication for each patient. Side effects may improve with a lowered dose of Trileptal. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as fatigue, mild sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, tremors, rash, dry mouth, weight gain, diarrhea, constipation, a loss of appetite, or increased need for sleep.

Trileptal should be taken as it has been prescribed by the physician. Should a missed dose occur, the patient should take that dose as soon as it has been remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid a possible overdose. In the event of a suspected overdose emergency medical assistance is required. An overdose is most likely to present with symptoms which will probably include sleepiness, difficulties with speech, balance, or coordination, or a host of other symptoms. The effects of an overdose have not yet been thoroughly tested.

There is a risk of drug interactions associated with Trileptal. A thorough medical history should be evaluated before prescribing this medication for the first time. Patients should be advised to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medication, vitamins, or herbal remedies. Medications with known interactions with Trileptal include other seizure medications, hormonal birth control pills, and medications that may cause drowsiness like analgesics, muscle relaxants, cold medications, antihistamines, anxiety medications, and sedatives.