Trileptal

Trileptal is a drug that is approved to control partial seizures in people with epilepsy. It is not known exactly how the drug works. However, it is possible that it works by blocking sodium channels in the brain. Trileptal comes in the form of a tablet that is taken twice a day. As with any medicine, side effects are possible. Some of the more common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.

 

What Is Trileptal?

Trileptal® (oxcarbazepine) is a prescription medication used to treat a specific type of seizure in people with epilepsy. Seizures are divided into two major categories -- partial seizures (also known as focal seizures) and generalized seizures. Partial seizures occur in just one part of the brain. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain. Trileptal is approved to control partial seizures in people with epilepsy.
 
(Click Trileptal Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Trileptal is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does It Work?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that occurs when there are recurring, brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. This change in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms).
 
It is not known exactly how Trileptal works to prevent partial seizures in people with epilepsy. It may work by blocking sodium channels in the brain. By blocking sodium channels, it may decrease activity of nerve cells, preventing them from firing abnormally.
 

Effects of Trileptal

Several studies have shown that the medication is effective for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children as young as two years old. In these studies, people taking Trileptal had fewer partial seizures, compared to those not taking it. The drug was effective when used alone or in combination with other seizure medications.
 
While the medication can be effective at controlling seizures, it is not an epilepsy cure.
 

When and How to Take It

Following are some general considerations for when and how to take Trileptal:
 
  • It comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth twice a day.
  • The medication can be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
  • A liquid form (Trileptal® Suspension) is available for those with difficulty swallowing tablets. Make sure to shake the medication thoroughly before each dose.
  • It should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
  • Do not stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Trileptal Withdrawal).
     

Dosing Information for Trileptal

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age and weight
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Trileptal Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness.
     
(Click Trileptal Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
The following eMedTV articles describe specific side effects of the drug:
 

Drug Interactions With Trileptal

Trileptal can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Trileptal Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
  • Anemia or other blood disorders
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Trileptal Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

There have been just a few reported cases of Trileptal overdose. In all of these cases, the people who took too much of the drug recovered. If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Trileptal Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should It Be Stored?

Trileptal should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store the tablets in an airtight container.
 
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Trileptal as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Alternatives

There are several alternative to Trileptal for controlling seizures. These alternatives can include other seizure medications (see Epilepsy Medication), surgery (see Epilepsy Surgery), or even -- in some cases -- a special diet (see Epilepsy Diet).
 
While Trileptal is often effective and many people tolerate it well, it does not work for everyone. It may also cause side effects. With so many different treatment options for epilepsy, people should not settle for treatment that is not effective enough for them or that causes bothersome side effects.
 
(Click Trileptal Alternatives for more information.)
 

Strengths

Trileptal tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Trileptal 150 mg
  • Trileptal 300 mg
  • Trileptal 600 mg.
     
A liquid form of the medication is also available -- Trileptal Suspension 300 mg per 5 mL (300 mg per teaspoonful).
 

Is There a Generic Version of Trileptal?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Trileptal are licensed for sale (see Generic Trileptal).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;