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Oxcarbazepine |
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What is Oxcarbazepine and why is it prescribed? Oxcarbazepine helps reduce the frequency of partial epileptic seizures, a form of epilepsy in which neural disturbances are limited to a specific region of the brain and the victim remains conscious throughout the attack. Oxcarbazepine may be prescribed by itself to treat the problem in adults. It can also be used in combination with other seizure medications in adults and in children as young as four years old. Oxcarbazepine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination, which could impair your ability to drive a vehicle or operate dangerous machinery. Do not attempt hazardous activities until you know how the drug affects you. How should you take Oxcarbazepine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Oxcarbazepine. Stopping Oxcarbazepine suddenly could cause an increase in the frequency of your seizures. Oxcarbazepine may be taken with or without food. Oxcarbazepine is available in tablets and an oral suspension, which can be used interchangeably. To administer a dose of the oral suspension, proceed as follows: (1) Shake the bottle well and remove the cap, (2) Push the plunger all the way down in the dosing syringe provided with the bottle, (3) With the bottle upright, push the syringe firmly into the plastic adapter on the neck of the bottle, (4) With the syringe in place, turn the bottle upside down, (5) Slowly pull the plunger out until a small amount of medicine enters the syringe. Push the plunger back in far enough to force out any large air bubbles trapped in the syringe, (6) Slowly pull the plunger out until the top edge of the black ring is level with the marker for the prescribed dose, (7) Turn the bottle upright and twist the syringe free from the plastic adapter, (8) Push the plunger to empty the syringe. The medicine can be dropped directly into the mouth or into a small glass of water. If using water, stir the medicine, then drink the entire glass, and (9) Rinse the syringe with warm water and allow it to dry. Replace the cap on the bottle. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. If you miss more than one dose in a day, check with your doctor. Store Oxcarbazepine in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Are there any Oxcarbazepine side effects? Oxcarbazepine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Oxcarbazepine side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal gait, anxiety, back pain, bruising, chest infection, confusion, constipation, convulsions, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, double vision, emotional instability, falling down, fatigue, headache, involuntary eye movement, loss of appetite, long-term memory loss, muscle incoordination, nausea, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, poor coordination, rash, runny nose, sinus inflammation, sleepiness, sleeplessness, sore throat, stomach upset, sweating, taste disorder, tremor, upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, vertigo, viral infection, vision disorder, vomiting, and weakness. Less common Oxcarbazepine side effects may include abnormal feeling, abnormal thinking, acne, agitation, allergy, bronchitis, chest pain, decreased sensitivity, dry mouth, earache, ear infection, fever, fluid retention, frequent urination, head injury, hot flushes, impaired concentration, increased sweating, infection, involuntary muscle contraction, low blood pressure, movement disturbances, muscle pain or weakness, pneumonia, poor eye coordination, rectal bleeding, red or purple spots on the skin, sore throat, speech disorder, sprains and strains, stomach inflammation, swollen legs, thirst, toothache, vaginal inflammation, and weight increase. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Oxcarbazepine? If Oxcarbazepine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of Oxcarbazepine. Avoid alcohol while taking this drug. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Oxcarbazepine with Calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil/Calan or felodipine/Plendil), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Oral contraceptives, or Valproic acid (Depakene). Are there any special warnings about Oxcarbazepine? A significant number (25 to 30 percent) of people who are sensitive to carbamazepine (Tegretol) also experience sensitivity to Oxcarbazepine. If you've had a problem with Tegretol, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Oxcarbazepine is prescribed under such circumstances only if there's no better alternative. Oxcarbazepine can lead to a loss of sodium from the blood, resulting in a serious medical condition which, left untreated, could lead to convulsions, coma, and death. Your doctor should carefully monitor your blood sodium levels during treatment with Oxcarbazepine. Alert the doctor immediately if you develop warning signs such as nausea, headache, sluggishness, confusion, loss of feeling, or an increase in the frequency or severity of seizures. If you have kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe a lower dosage of Oxcarbazepine. Be sure your doctor knows your medical history before you start therapy. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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