Oxcarbazepine is used, alone or in combination with other drugs, to treat certain types of seizures associated with epilepsy.
What is Oxcarbazepine?
Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant. It acts by reducing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
How should Oxcarbazepine be taken?
Oxcarbazepine is administered orally, either in immediate release formulations or prolonged release formulations.
Side Effects associated with Oxcarbazepine
Oxcarbazepine may trigger a severe skin reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Mild stomach pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Oxcarbazepine triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Tightness or chest pain
- Unusual hoarseness
- Blood in the stool
- Reduced coordination
- Decreased urination
- Difficulty concentrating or speaking
- Vision problems or involuntary eye movements
- Problems with the touch
- Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Fever, chills or sore throat
- Pain, swelling or muscle or joint weakness
- New or worsened psychological disorders
- New or worsened convulsions
- Epistaxis
- Persistent or strong stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Liver problems
- Low levels of sodium
- Tremors
- Problems of insomnia
- Difficulty walking
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Bruising or bleeding
- Excessive weakness or fatigue
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Oxcarbazepine
Oxcarbazepine may impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol or taking other medicines.
The drug may also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Before treatment with Oxcarbazepine it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines (especially carbamazepine), food or any other substance
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular HIV protease inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, quetiapine, tricyclic antidepressants, carbamazepine, valproic acid, hydantoins, phenobarbital, aripiprazole, aromatase inhibitors, cyclosporine, epothilones, felodipine, contraceptives hormonal, kinase inhibitor, maraviroc, NNRTIs and tramadol
