Download Antiepileptic Medication: Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)

Antiepileptic Medication:
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
General Information
Trileptal is one of the newer antiepileptic
medications. It was created in 1963 and has
been in use in the United States since 2000. It is
used for the treatment of partial seizures.
How does it work?
Trileptal is chemically very similar to
carbamezapine. Trileptal has fewer side effects
and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It
helps to block sodium, which prevents
repetitive firing of neurons, and thus seizures.
Available forms
This drug is available as a generic. Generic
medications are not usually recommended for
patients with uncontrolled seizures. It is
available in the following doses:
•
Drug specific:
▬ Low sodium (hyponatremia)
▬ Swelling of the face, lips, eyes,
and tongue and difficulty
breathing (angioedema).
▬ Painful rash that is over most of
your body (5-10%)
•
Dose-related:
▬ Tiredness (5%)
▬ Headache (8%)
▬ Dizziness (5%)
▬ Feeling unsteady (<1%)
•
Initiation: You may notice some doserelated side effects during the first
couple of weeks of treatment. Your
body should get used to the medication
if you give it a chance.
You need to report any signs of drug
specific reactions to the doctor
immediately. You may be asked to stop the
medication.
Interactions
• Grapefruit
•
Drug basics
After you take your dose, it takes about 1 hour
for the drug to have a maximum effect. You
might be more aware of dose related side
effects at this time if you have them. It takes 8
to 10 hours for half of the drug to leave your
body. This allows you to take the medication
twice a day. Less than 50% of the drug binds to
proteins. This portion of the drug is not active.
It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the
urine.
Side Effects
Low dose oral contraceptives
There are 3 different types of side effects:
Lab Monitoring
We are able to check a Trileptal level.
However, it is not necessary to perform on a
regular basis. It does take about 4 days to get
your results.
Final Note
If you are having difficulty with you
medication, please notify us. We can often
make adjustments of your medication if
needed.
Created by Diana Murray RN, CNS, MS, CNRN & Mark Yerby MD, MPH
Portland, Oregon
1/113/2010