Trileptal is a brand name for oxcarbazepine, an anti-convulsant, and mood stabilizing drug that is meant for treating epilepsy (recurrent seizures) and bipolar disorders (manic-depressive illness).
Seizures come about because of an abnormal firing of neurons in the brain causing abrupt changes in motor activity and sense perception. There are two main classes of seizures officially identified, namely focal (partial) seizures and generalized seizures. Trileptal is used primarily for the treatment of partial seizures. It works by decreasing the neural impulses of the affected nerve cells.
Trileptal is a clinically proven medication for controlling partial seizures in adults and in children even as young as 4 years old. In such cases, Trileptal was found to be effective both by itself (as in monotherapy), and in combination with other anti-seizure drugs (adjunctive therapy). Moreover, patients who were administered this medicine experienced significantly fewer seizures. Thus, it was concluded that Trileptal could help in lowering the frequency of partial seizures. Partial seizures occur when a group of nerve cells starts firing their impulses abnormally within one hemisphere of the brain. Whether it's a simple or complex partial seizure depends on the alertness level or wakefulness of the patient when the seizure takes hold. Trileptal is also useful in adjunctive therapy for children of 2 years of age and older who suffer epilepsy.
Trileptal comes in tablets form of 150mg, 300mg, and 600mg. Trileptal can be taken either with food or on an empty stomach. Take it with a full glass of water. Do not drink alcohol while on this medication, as this will not only induce sleepiness, it will enhance the risk of seizure. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you are sure of how exactly Trileptal will be affecting these activities. So, if you find yourself getting dizzy, drowsy, having blurred vision, or poor coordination, abort such activities.
Generally, mild to moderately severe side effects that you would need to be aware of include dizziness, sleepiness, double vision, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, incoordination, abnormal vision, abdominal pain, tremor, indigestion, and abnormal gait. For children, they have additional side effects of getting infections and infestations.
Occasionally a condition termed as hyponatremia (low plasma sodium levels) is observed in patients treated with Trileptal. This is usually accompanied by feelings of severe fatigue, and in this case, the blood sodium levels will have to be tested and monitored. Additional side effects of this condition include a craving for salty food, for example, potato chips.
Your doctor should also be informed if in the past you have taken the epilepsy drug, carbamazepine. 25-30% of patients who have experienced allergic reactions to carbamazepine may react similarly to Trileptal. Thus, if you developed serious skin reactions after taking this medicine, consult your doctor immediately. Patients who are on birth control pills may need other forms of contraceptives, as this medicine will make the pills less effective.
It is highly recommended that you carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in case of an emergency.
Disclaimer: This article should not be substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Trileptal.
Trileptal
Trileptal and other epilepsy medication info
Trileptal Anti-Epilepsy medication and epilepsy information
2008/10/02
The Dangers of Trileptal: What you Should Know
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is caused by chemical imbalance in a certain part of the brain. ADHD affects as many as 5% of all children. About half the ADHD children carry the condition into adulthood. The major treatment of ADHD involves taking prescription medications. One drug that is commonly used to help treat ADHD symptoms is Trileptal. There are dangers of Trileptal that parents should know about before their child starts taking it.
Trileptal is also known as oxcarbazepine. It is an anti-seizure medication used to stabilize the levels of electrical activity in the brain. It is most often prescribed to patients who have ADHD combined with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). While other anti-seizure medications have undergone various studies, the effectiveness of Trileptal has not been studied extensively.
There are several side effects associated with Trileptal. These can range from mild to severe. While not every patient who takes Trileptal experiences these side effects they are quite common. Trileptal side effects are divided into two categories: nuisance and dangerous.
Nuisance side effects are those that may be difficult to deal with but do not pose any additional health threat.
Trileptal is also known as oxcarbazepine. It is an anti-seizure medication used to stabilize the levels of electrical activity in the brain. It is most often prescribed to patients who have ADHD combined with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). While other anti-seizure medications have undergone various studies, the effectiveness of Trileptal has not been studied extensively.
There are several side effects associated with Trileptal. These can range from mild to severe. While not every patient who takes Trileptal experiences these side effects they are quite common. Trileptal side effects are divided into two categories: nuisance and dangerous.
Nuisance side effects are those that may be difficult to deal with but do not pose any additional health threat.
2008/08/22
Oxcarbazepine Tablet (oxcarbazepine Trileptal) Information
Oxcarbazepine should not be used to treat children whose symptoms may be caused by stress or a psychiatric disorder. Oxcarbazepine should not be used to combat fatigue or to replace rest.
Oxcarbazepine helps reduce the frequency of partial epileptic seizures, a form of epilepsy in which neural disturbances are limited to a specific region of the brain and the victim remains conscious throughout the attack.
How to Take Oxcarbazepine
Take Oxcarbazepine exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of oxcarbazepine you are taking before stopping completely.
What are the Side Effects of Oxcarbazepine -
Like other medicines, Oxcarbazepine can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Oxcarbazepine include
* an allergic reaction
* difficulty breathing
* closing of your throat
* swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives
* nausea, general discomfort
* headache, extreme drowsiness, or confusion
* difficulty with concentration, speech, or language
* excessive sleepiness or fatigue
Side effects of Oxcarbazepine Drug that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
* pain or burning while urinating
* pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones
* poor control in body movements
* problems with coordination
* shaking or trembling of arms, legs, hands, and feet
* shortness of breath
* skin rash
* stuffy or runny nose
* tightness in chest
* trouble in walking
* troubled breathing
* unusual feelings
* unusual tiredness or weakness
* wheezing
Oxcarbazepine intraction with other drugs:
Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Warnings and precautions before taking Oxcarbazepine :
* Oxcarbazepine capsule must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harmful side effects to the unborn child. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
* Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications along with Oxcarbazepine.
* Breast Feeding - Mothers who are taking Oxcarbazepine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
* Patients should be warned that the effects of other drugs acting on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants, may be potentiated by Oxcarbazepine.
* Do not drink alcohol while taking Oxcarbazepine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by Oxcarbazepine. It may also increase the risk of seizures.
* Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of oxcarbazepine you are taking before stopping completely.
* The safety and efficay of this medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents, hence it is not recommended for use in these age groups.
What if Overdose of Oxcarbazepine ?
If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Oxcarbazepine, immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention.
What if Missed Dose of Oxcarbazepine?
If you miss a dose of Oxcarbazepine medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage Conditions for Oxcarbazepine:
Oxcarbazepine should be stored below 86°F (30°C) in a tight, light resistant container. Keep the medication away from the children. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Oxcarbazepine helps reduce the frequency of partial epileptic seizures, a form of epilepsy in which neural disturbances are limited to a specific region of the brain and the victim remains conscious throughout the attack.
How to Take Oxcarbazepine
Take Oxcarbazepine exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of oxcarbazepine you are taking before stopping completely.
What are the Side Effects of Oxcarbazepine -
Like other medicines, Oxcarbazepine can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Oxcarbazepine include
* an allergic reaction
* difficulty breathing
* closing of your throat
* swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives
* nausea, general discomfort
* headache, extreme drowsiness, or confusion
* difficulty with concentration, speech, or language
* excessive sleepiness or fatigue
Side effects of Oxcarbazepine Drug that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
* pain or burning while urinating
* pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones
* poor control in body movements
* problems with coordination
* shaking or trembling of arms, legs, hands, and feet
* shortness of breath
* skin rash
* stuffy or runny nose
* tightness in chest
* trouble in walking
* troubled breathing
* unusual feelings
* unusual tiredness or weakness
* wheezing
Oxcarbazepine intraction with other drugs:
Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Warnings and precautions before taking Oxcarbazepine :
* Oxcarbazepine capsule must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harmful side effects to the unborn child. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
* Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications along with Oxcarbazepine.
* Breast Feeding - Mothers who are taking Oxcarbazepine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
* Patients should be warned that the effects of other drugs acting on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants, may be potentiated by Oxcarbazepine.
* Do not drink alcohol while taking Oxcarbazepine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by Oxcarbazepine. It may also increase the risk of seizures.
* Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of oxcarbazepine you are taking before stopping completely.
* The safety and efficay of this medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents, hence it is not recommended for use in these age groups.
What if Overdose of Oxcarbazepine ?
If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Oxcarbazepine, immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention.
What if Missed Dose of Oxcarbazepine?
If you miss a dose of Oxcarbazepine medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage Conditions for Oxcarbazepine:
Oxcarbazepine should be stored below 86°F (30°C) in a tight, light resistant container. Keep the medication away from the children. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
2008/08/13
Trileptal General Information:
Trileptal(Oxcarbazepine)is structurally a derivative of carbamazepine, adding an extra oxygen atom to the benzylcarboxamide group. This difference helps reduce the impact on the liver of metabolizing the drug, and also prevents the serious forms of anemia occasionally associated with carbamazepine. Aside from this reduction in side effects, it is thought to have the same mechanism as carbamazepine - sodium channel inhibition - and is generally used to treat partial seizures in epileptic children and adults.
Trileptal for patients
Patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity reactions to carbamazepine should be informed that approximately 25-30% of these patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions with TrileptalTM(oxcarbazepine).
Female patients of childbearing age should be warned that the concurrent use of Trileptal with hormonal contraceptives may render this method of contraception less effective. Additional non-hormonal forms of contraception are recommended when using Trileptal.
Caution should be exercised if alcohol is taken in combination with Trileptal therapy, due to a possible additive sedative effect.
Patients should be advised that Trileptal may cause dizziness and somnolence. Accordingly, patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on Trileptal to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery.
Trileptal for patients
Patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity reactions to carbamazepine should be informed that approximately 25-30% of these patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions with TrileptalTM(oxcarbazepine).
Female patients of childbearing age should be warned that the concurrent use of Trileptal with hormonal contraceptives may render this method of contraception less effective. Additional non-hormonal forms of contraception are recommended when using Trileptal.
Caution should be exercised if alcohol is taken in combination with Trileptal therapy, due to a possible additive sedative effect.
Patients should be advised that Trileptal may cause dizziness and somnolence. Accordingly, patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on Trileptal to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery.
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