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.
Trileptal is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
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, Trileptal may decrease activity of nerve cells, preventing them from firing abnormally.
Several studies have shown that Trileptal 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 Trileptal. Trileptal was effective when used alone or in combination with other seizure medications.
While Trileptal can be effective at controlling seizures, it is not an epilepsy cure.
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