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General Medication Fact Sheet for Oxcarbazepine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Oxcarbazepine |
| Brand Name Versions | Trileptal, Oxtellar XR |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis; HLA-B*1502 allele testing recommended in certain populations |
| Purpose | Antiepileptic drug used to treat partial seizures |
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks voltage-sensitive sodium channels, stabilizing hyperexcited neuronal membranes, inhibiting repetitive neuronal firing, and diminishing propagation of synaptic impulses |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, Oral suspension |
| Available Strengths | 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, double vision, fatigue |
| Serious Side Effects | Hyponatremia (low sodium levels), suicidal thoughts, severe skin rash, allergic reactions, liver problems |
| Drug Interactions | Oral contraceptives, other antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, Carbamazepine), alcohol, MAO inhibitors |
| Important Notes | May cause drowsiness; use caution while driving or operating machinery. Regular blood tests may be required. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam, Valproic Acid |
Oxcarbazepine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbamazepine (Tegretol) | Sodium channel blocker | Similar mechanism to oxcarbazepine; requires monitoring due to potential side effects. |
| Lamotrigine (Lamictal) | Sodium channel blocker and glutamate release inhibitor | Used for various seizure types and bipolar disorder. |
| Levetiracetam (Keppra) | Binds to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A | Broad-spectrum antiepileptic with a different mechanism of action. |
| Valproic Acid (Depakote) | Multiple mechanisms including sodium channel blockade and GABA enhancement | Effective for various seizure types but has potential side effects and drug interactions. |
Oxcarbazepine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) |
| Drowsiness | Suicidal thoughts or behavior |
| Headache | Severe skin rash (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) |
| Nausea | Allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Vomiting | Liver problems (jaundice, abdominal pain) |
| Double vision | Changes in vision |
| Fatigue | Unusual bruising or bleeding |
Oxcarbazepine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Seizures (Adults) | 300 mg twice daily | 600-1200 mg twice daily | May be taken with or without food. |
| Partial Seizures (Children 4-16 years) | 8-10 mg/kg/day in two divided doses | 20-40 mg/kg/day in two divided doses | Dosage adjusted based on weight and response. |
| Conversion from other AEDs | Gradual introduction of oxcarbazepine while slowly reducing the other AED | Individualized based on response | Monitor for seizure control during transition. |
Oxcarbazepine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $30 – $80 |
| From CPS | $21.95 |
