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Overview: Oxcarbazepine is used to treat certain types of seizures. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, trouble with balance or coordination, and tremor. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how oxcarbazepine affects you. Call your health care provider right away if you get a rash, unusual bleeding, sore throat, or changes in your mood or behavior. Do not stop this medicine without talking with your health care provider. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, oxcarbazepine is available as a liquid.

Uses

What is oxcarbazepine used for?

Oxcarbazepine is commonly used to treat certain types of seizures.

Oxcarbazepine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does oxcarbazepine work (mechanism of action)?

Seizures happen when too many nerve signals are sent between brain cells too quickly. Oxcarbazepine is thought to work by slowing down overactive brain signals and making seizures less likely.

How is oxcarbazepine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Oxtellar XR
  • Trileptal

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg oral tablets
  • 300 mg/5 mL oral suspension

How should I store oxcarbazepine?

Oral Tablets. Oxcarbazepine tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Do not remove tablets from blister packs until ready to take. 

Oral Liquid. Oxcarbazepine liquid should be stored in the original container at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Throw the medicine away seven weeks after first opening the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of oxcarbazepine?

The most common side effects of oxcarbazepine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dizziness and sleepiness  
  • Changes in vision, including blurred or double vision 
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Trouble with balance or coordination 
  • Headache
  • Uncontrollable eye movements
  • Tremor
  • Irregular or unusual walking pattern

There may be other side effects of oxcarbazepine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of oxcarbazepine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of oxcarbazepine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Low Sodium Levels (Hyponatremia). Oxcarbazepine may cause low sodium levels. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low sodium level.

  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Tiredness or sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Weight gain
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Change in your mental condition, such as hallucinations, confusion, decreased awareness, or alertness
  • Seizures

Severe Skin Reactions. Oxcarbazepine can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Oxcarbazepine may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Nervous System Problems. Oxcarbazepine can make you dizzy or sleepy. It can also cause trouble talking, walking, or concentrating and may affect your balance or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how oxcarbazepine affects you.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Oxcarbazepine may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Blood Disorders. Oxcarbazepine can cause blood disorders, such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infections
  • Sore throat
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use oxcarbazepine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take oxcarbazepine.

  • Eslicarbazepine acetate
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Oxtellar XR
  • Trileptal
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific oxcarbazepine products they stock.

What should I know about oxcarbazepine before using it?

Do not take oxcarbazepine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not chew, crush, or cut extended-release oxcarbazepine tablets. They should be swallowed whole.

If you are taking the liquid, u​se an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a right measuring device. Shake well before each use.

Do not share oxcarbazepine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep oxcarbazepine out of the reach of children.

While oxcarbazepine helps make seizures less likely, it does not cure them. Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine without talking to your health care provider. Stopping oxcarbazepine suddenly may cause an increase in seizure activity, which can be serious.

Your health care provider may do blood tests while you are taking this medicine to watch for low sodium levels, which can be serious. See the Side Effects section for more details.

While taking oxcarbazepine, some birth control may not work as well. Talk with your health care provider about the best birth control options for you.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from oxcarbazepine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using oxcarbazepine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if oxcarbazepine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Blood problems
  • Mental health problems
  • Electrolyte imbalance, such as low sodium levels
  • A genetic change that affects your immune system, including Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) allele B*1502
  • Allergic reaction to a medicine called carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others)

Other Medicines and Supplements. Oxcarbazepine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking oxcarbazepine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Oxcarbazepine may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take oxcarbazepine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking oxcarbazepine, you can sign up for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-233-2334 or at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. This registry collects safety information about the use of seizure medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Oxcarbazepine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take oxcarbazepine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does oxcarbazepine interact with foods or drinks?

Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets should be taken on an empty stomach. Do not take them within one hour before or two hours after food. The immediate-release tablet and the liquid can be taken with or without food.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect oxcarbazepine. The risk of dizziness and drowsiness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking oxcarbazepine. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.

Does oxcarbazepine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking oxcarbazepine.

  • Phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat seizures
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • A birth control pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, injection, or intrauterine device (IUD) that contains hormones
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of oxcarbazepine, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with oxcarbazepine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much oxcarbazepine?

If you or someone else has used too much oxcarbazepine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of oxcarbazepine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.