How To Use Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) 

Oxcarbazepine comes in the form of regular (immediate-release) tablets, extended release tablets, and an oral suspension. The regular tablets and oral suspension are usually taken twice a day (every 12 hours). You may take them with or without food. The extended release tablets are taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you have eaten. Try to take your medication at around the same time every day - this makes it easier to remember.

Read the prescription label carefully and follow your doctor’s instructions for the oral dosage form prescribed (regular tablets, extended release tablets, or oral suspension). Your provider will likely start you on a low dose of oxcarbazepine and increase the dose slowly until you reach the recommended maintenance dose. Do not change the dose or adjust the dosage frequency without your doctor’s approval.

Swallow the extended release tablets whole without cutting, chewing, or crushing them. If you are taking oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) oral suspension, shake the bottle well before use. Measure the dose accurately with the oral dosing syringe supplied with your medicine and not a regular household spoon. You can take the oral solution directly or mix it in a glass of water. Wash the syringe and allow it to air dry before storing.

Oxcarbazepine will help to control your seizures but will not cure your condition. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if your seizures are well controlled. Tell your doctor right away if you have side effects such as changes in behavior or mood. Stopping antiepileptic drugs abruptly can result in an increased frequency of seizures. If you wish to come off oxcarbazepine, your doctor will advise you how to gradually reduce the dose and switch to another medication if needed.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of oxcarbazepine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store oxcarbazepine at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. The extended release tablets should not be exposed to direct light. The suspension should be discarded 7 weeks after you open the bottle. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused oxcarbazepine should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw oxcarbazepine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded oxcarbazepine is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on oxcarbazepine. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about oxcarbazepine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Discounted prices for oxcarbazepine
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