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.
