Eslicarbazepine is used to treat partial onset seizures.
What is Eslicarbazepine?
Eslicarbazepine is an anticonvulsant. Its exact mechanism of action has not yet been identified. It is thought to work by slowing down abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
How should Eslicarbazepine be taken?
Eslicarbazepine is administered orally and in combination with other drugs.
Side effects associated with Eslicarbazepine
Treatment with eslicarbazepine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Moreover, the treatment may be associated with severe reactions to the liver, blood cells, skin or other areas of the body. Lastly, eslicarbazepine may trigger angioedema, reduced sodium levels in the blood and dysfunction of hormone based contraceptives.
Among the other possible side effects of eslicarbazepine include the following:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest or chest pain
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat or tongue
- Unusual hoarseness
- Bloody urine
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Decreased, difficult or painful urination
- Difficulty concentrating or speaking
- Vision problems
- Involuntary eye movements
- Persistent fever, chills or sore throat
- Memory problems
- New psychological or behavioral problems or worsening of existing ones
- New convulsions or worsening of existing ones
- Painful lesions in the mouth or around the eyes
- Redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin
- Severe or persistent dizziness
- Severe or persistent muscle pain, weakness or spasms
- Shortness of breath
- Suicidal thoughts
- Swelling of legs and arms
- Swollen glands
- Symptoms of liver problems
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Difficulty walking
- Bruising or bleeding
- Tiredness or weakness
- Unexpected weight gain
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Eslicarbazepine
Treatment with eslicarbazepine is contraindicated in case of severe liver problems and in those who are taking oxcarbazepine.
Before starting treatment with eslicarbazepine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or to any other drugs, food and various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, clobazam, omeprazole, hormonal contraceptives, rosuvastatin or simvastatin
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from kidney or liver problems, thyroid disease, low levels of sodium in the blood, psychiatric or mood problems
- You are experiencing (or have experienced) suicidal thoughts
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Treatment should never be discontinued abruptly due to the risk of seizures.The intake of the drug may impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect may be aggravated by alcohol and certain other medications.
It is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with eslicarbazepine.
