Oxcarbazepine
Generic Name:
Oxcarbazepine
Brand Names:
Oxcarbazepine Description:
Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant medication used in the treatment of seizures. Seizures are the result of sudden and unusual electrical activity in the brain. While the exact mechanism of oxcarbazepine is unknown, the medication helps treat patients with seizures by blocking sodium channels. This action helps stabilize excited neural membranes and inhibits neuronal firing. The medication's effects on potassium may also play a role in the prevention of seizures.
Oxcarbazepine Side Effects:
The most common side effects of oxcarbazepine include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Double vision
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Reduced coordination
- Stomach pain
- Tremor
- Indigestion
- Abnormal gait
For more information, see our oxcarbazepine side effects page.
Oxcarbazepine Uses:
Oxcarbazepine is used alone or alongside other medications in the treatment of partial seizures in adults and in the treatment of partial seizures in children at least four years of age with epilepsy.
Oxcarbazepine Interactions:
Oxcarbazepine may interact with the following medications:
- Carbamazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Valproic acid
- Oral contraceptives
- Felodipine
- Verapamil
- Alcohol
- Other central nervous system depressants
Oxcarbazepine may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. Patients should discuss the use of all other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with oxcarbazepine.
Oxcarbazepine Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Oxcarbazepine dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines set by their doctor.
Oxcarbazepine is administered in the form of an oral tablet and an oral solution. Adult patients generally initiate treatment with oxcarbazepine by taking an initial dosage of 300 mg twice daily. Children usually take a daily dosage determined according to their body weight.
Patients should not suddenly discontinue use of oxcarbazepine unless otherwise instructed by their doctor, as an abrupt discontinuation of the medication can result in withdrawal seizures and other symptoms. Patients should generally undergo a gradual dose reduction when discontinuing use of oxcarbazepine.
Missing a Dose of Oxcarbazepine
If you forget to take a dose of oxcarbazepine, take it as soon as you remember. Contact your doctor for instructions on when to take your next dose. Do not consume a double dose of this medication to compensate for a missed dose.
Oxcarbazepine Overdose
Seek medical attention if you believe you may have taken too much of this medication.
Oxcarbazepine FDA Approval:
January 14, 2000
Oxcarbazepine Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In 2009, Advantage Dose LLC recalled certain lots of oxcarbazepine tablets and Trileptal medications because the medications were not in conformance with the Good Manufacturing Practice regulations established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The actions constituted a Class II recall, and the medications did not pose a significant threat to consumers.
Apotex Inc. also recalled certain lots of oxcarbazepine tablets for similar reasons in 2009.
In 2006, Heartland Repack Services, LLC recalled certain lots of Trileptal tablets due to the possibility of a product package mishap. The actions constituted a Class II recall, and the medications did not pose a significant risk to consumers.
Sources:
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/Scripts/cder/DrugsatFDA/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Label_ApprovalHistory
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601245.html
- http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=13808
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601681
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/2006/ucm120426.htm
-
September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
-
September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
-
September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
-
August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
