Trileptal

Tegerol Drug (Medication) Information

2009-04-09T13:37:00.002-07:00

Tegerol is an "extended-release" form of carbamazepine, which means that the medicine is released into the body slowly instead of all at once. Tegerol is used to aid in the treatment of epilepsy. TEGRETOL is another name for it.

Tegerol is used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Tegerol medications is not for common aches and pains.

How to Take Tegerol

Take Tegerol exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Tegerol is available in CAPSULE form. Take this medicine after food. Do not stop Tegerol medication without the advice of your doctor; doing so may result in an increase in seizures. The Tegretol, Tegretol XR, and Epitol brands of Tegerol should be taken with food. The Tegerol brand of Tegerol may be taken with or without food.

What are the Side Effects of Tegerol -

Like other medicines, Tegerol can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Tegerol include

* mouth ulcers
* pain or difficulty passing urine
* redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
* ringing in the ears
* seizures (convulsions)
* shortness of breath, wheezing
* skin rash, hives, itching
* sore throat
* Sleepiness/drowsiness
* Coordination difficulties
* Rash or other allergic reaction (swollen glands, fever, sore throat).
* Weakness of the bones (osteopenia)
* stomach pain
* swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains
* unusual bleeding or bruising
* unusual swelling
* vomiting

Some other side effects of Tegerol are as:

* Liver problems
* Blood problems
* Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Tegerol intraction with other drugs:

Tegerol is metabolized in the liver and interacts with several other epilepsy drugs and other medications, such as warfarin, theophyline, and doxycycline. It may reduce the effectiveness of other antiepileptic drugs which are also processed through the liver and with the effectiveness of birth control pills at standard doses. Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs.

Warnings and precautions before taking Tegerol :

* If you are taking carbamazepine for epilepsy (seizures) do not stop taking it suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.
* Tegerol capsule must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harmful side effects to the unborn child. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
* Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications along with Tegerol.
* Breast Feeding - Mothers who are taking Tegerol and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
* Do not drink alcohol while taking Tegerol. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by Tegerol. It may also increase the risk of seizures.
* The safety and efficay of this medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents, hence it is not recommended for use in these age groups.

What if Overdose of Tegerol ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Tegerol, immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention.

What if Missed Dose of Tegerol?

If you miss a dose of Tegerol medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Tegerol:

Store Tegerol capsules at room temperature (below 77°F) and protect them from light and moisture. Keep the medication away from the children.

Temporal Lobe Seizure - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

2009-04-09T13:37:00.001-07:00

Temporal lobe seizure is the most frequent cause of partial seizures and aura. During a temporal lobe seizure, you may smack your lips, swallow repeatedly or pick at things with your fingers. Such activities are called automatisms. The temporal lobe is located close to the ear. Temporal lobe seizures can affect people of any age, and can occur as a single episode or can be repeated as part of a chronic (ongoing) condition. The seizures of temporal-lobe epilepsy often start in childhood. Temporal lobe epilepsy is difficult to diagnose because temporal lobe seizures may not show up on an EEG. Sometimes these seizures are caused by an abnormality in the temporal lobe, such as a tiny scar or tumor, but often no identifiable cause is found. A seizure is an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can involve loss of consciousness or reduction of consciousness, involuntary movements, and overwhelming sensations. Certain patterns of electrical activity can cause seizures, which are episodes when electrical signals spread in abnormal patterns within the brain.

Temporal lobe seizures commonly result from damage to specific areas in the temporal lobe of the brain. This damage includes scarring, called mesial temporal sclerosis. The seizures associated with TLE consist of simple partial seizures without loss of awareness (with or without aura) and complex partial seizures (ie, with loss of awareness). For most people, the seizures of TLE can be completely or at least mostly controlled with the medications for partial seizures. Many seizure medicines can be used, either alone or in combination. Temporal-lobe epilepsy is usually classified as simple or complex partial seizures. Repeated TLE seizures can damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is important for memory and learning. Pregnancy, lack of sleep, skipping doses of medications, use of recreational drugs (including alcohol), or illness may cause seizures in a person with a previously well-controlled seizure disorder. Temporal lobe resection may be an option for people with epilepsy whose seizures are disabling and/or not controlled by medication, or when the side effects of medication are severe and significantly affect the person's quality of life.

Causes of Temporal lobe seizure

The common causes and risk factor's of Temporal lobe seizure include the following:

Temporal lobe seizures commonly result from damage to specific areas in the temporal lobe of the brain.

Past infections, e.g. herpes encephalitis or bacterial meningitis.

Certain patterns of electrical activity.

Causes can include traumatic injury, infection, brain tumors, genetic syndromes, and lesions of any sort.

Although a brain tumor is an uncommon cause, a seizure may be the first indication of a brain tumor.

Blood vessel disorders, such as arteriovenous malformation (AVM), can be a cause of seizures.

Symptoms of Temporal lobe seizure

Some symptoms of related to Temporal lobe seizure are as follows:

Abnormal sensations.

A sudden sense of unprovoked fear.

Hallucinations or illusions (vision, smells, tastes, or other sensory illusions).

Nausea.

Epigastric sensations ("a funny feeling in my gut," "stomach rising").

Forced turning of the eyes.

Abdominal pain or discomfort.

Changes in vision, speech, thought, awareness, personality.

Rapid heart rate/pulse.

Treatment of Temporal lobe seizure

Here is list of the methods for treating Temporal lobe seizure:

Standard medications to control temporal lobe seizures include phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine valproic acid (Depakene), phenobarbital, lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), tiagabine (Gabitril) and zonisamide (Zonegran).

Oral anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications taken by mouth) are used to prevent or reduce the number of future seizures.

Multiple, repeated seizures are usually treated with long-term use of an antiepileptic drug.

For temporal lobe seizure disorders that don't respond well to medications, surgery may be an option.

The operation (called a temporal lobectomy ) usually removes only the abnormal part of the temporal lobe, not the entire lobe. Many also benefit from vagus nerve stimulation or the ketogenic diet.

Use of informational jewelry or cards (such as Medic-Alert or similar) that indicate a seizure disorder may be advised. These accessories may help in obtaining quick medical treatment if a seizure happens.

Lamictal – Epilepsy and Anti-Seizure Medication

2009-04-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a known neurological condition, which directly hampers your nervous system. It is also commonly known as seizure disorder. A person suffering from epilepsy can only be treated if he had minimum of two seizures, not caused by any known medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or low level of blood sugar.

It has been observed that the actual reason behind a seizure disorder is not known. You can put the blame on family hereditary or even the brain injuries can be a cause. The term "epilepsy" explains that an individual is suffering from seizures but neither does it confirm anything about the actual cause nor does it say anything about the type of seizures or how severe it can be to that individual.

Seizures can be controlled

Anti-seizure medications are readily available at your local pharmacists that are used to help control some types of seizures while treating epilepsy. Lamotrigine a known Lamictal Medication is a drug representing the class of phenyltriazine which is chemically not related to existing antiepileptic drug. Many clinical trials have proved that Lamictal Medication is effective in reducing the frequency of seizure when added to existing antiepileptic drug therapy in adult patients with partial seizures. Lamictal Medication does not cure epilepsy, but it will work to control seizures as long as you continue to take it. Even though lamictal is readily available at your local pharmacist, you are advised to take it only after your doctor's prescription.

How to use Lamictal Drug?

Once you are on Lamictal dosage, it become primarily important that your doctor checks your health on regular basis, especially during the initial month or two of the treatment. These regular checks will put him in a position to take decision on your dosage, if you encounter any unwanted side effects.

If you are take alcohol or other CNS depressants and want to take Lamictal Medication, check with your doctor before you start taking Lamictal. There is a strong possibility that Lamictal might increase the effects of alcohol and CNS depressants making you feel drowsier with the same amount of alcohol. You should be aware of the effects the medicine can have on you, before you drive or use machinery that can lead to accident.

It is very important to check whether Lamictal makes you clumsy, or if it affects your vision. If you experience, double or blurred vision, dizziness, check with your doctor.

It is advisable not to stop taking Lamictal Drug without consulting your doctor. You may face sudden withdrawal side effects like your seizures may return or can occur more often. Even if you want to stop continuing this medication, check with your doctor. He might suggest you to reduce the dose and gradually quit than sudden withdrawal.

Exercise for Epilepsy

2009-04-09T13:33:00.002-07:00

Epilepsy, or seizure disorder, is a chronic condition characterized by temporary changes in the brain's electrical function. These changes result in what we know as epileptic seizures. The cause of epilepsy is unknown in the majority of cases and may be genetic.

With common sense and a few restrictions, those with seizures can participate in most any sport or activity. The main factor is that seizure activity be kept under control. The concern is that the person is not doing something that could risk bodily harm at the time thay may have a seizure. Some activities not recommended are soccer (due to heading), swimming under water, boxing and anything requiring special monitoring or the use of a height.

Seizures seldom occur during or after exercise. It is believed that regular exercise may prevent seizures. This could be in part to the release of our bodies natural pain killers (endorphins) during exercise, or the increased attention placed on the activity.

Because people with epilepsy are often overprotected, they frequently do not get much physical activity and are not very fit. Poor cardiorespiratory fitness has been noted in those with seizures. Despite this, the response to training is the same as for a normal person. A person with epilepsy can be as fit as an otherwise healthy individual as long as they get out and exercise.

If seizures are controlled, the American Medical Association is even in favor of allowing epileptics to participate in collision and contact sports. If you are epileptic remember that nearly all fitness activities are safe and that exercise can actually prevent seizures from happening.

Dr. Lanny Schaffer, Ph.D is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge fitness information go to http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com

The best diet for epilepsy

2009-04-09T13:33:00.001-07:00

Unlike many diets that overstate their effectiveness, the diet for epilepsy actually holds many reasons to believe it can reduce epileptic fit episodes considerably. Medication has been the standard approach to epilepsy for a long time, but now, epilepsy diet, natural remedies and herbs, should regain center stage.

The diet for epilepsy is known as the ketogenic diet, a diet designed in the was early twentieth century to treat the distressing syndrome, when few drug treatments for epilepsy were available. Until recently, it had been used only when drug therapy was ineffective. The dietary approach was based on the observation that ketosis (increased blood levels of chemicals called ketones) is associated with reduction of seizures. Ketosis can be produced by a diet high in fat and very low in carbohydrate and protein. The epilepsy diet has been evaluated in several preliminary and a few controlled trials. According to a 1996 review, the epilepsy diet appears to be very effective in one-third to one-half of epilepsy cases in children, and partially effective in another one-third of cases. This record, for a diet, makes it one of the most effective diets around, and is good news for those in need of a diet for epilepsy, to mitigate its life-altering effects.

Diet is one part of complex medication

Recent trials continue to support this success rate; one preliminary trial demonstrated a 50% reduction in seizure activity in 71% of children in a group after 45 days on the diet. There is little research on the effects of the ketogenic diet in adults, but it may be effective in those who are able to comply with the strict dietary guidelines. The epilepsy diet is usually initiated by fasting under close medical supervision, often in a hospital, followed by introduction of the diet and training of the family to ensure successful maintenance. As with epilepsy medication, one needs to be careful to monitor one’s epilepsy diet and epilepsy medications to make sure that when epilepsy symptoms change, so does our response.

Herbs that help with epilepsy

Natural epilepsy medication and herbs treatments for epilepsy have been found to work well against fits. Chinese herbal formulae known as sho-saiko-to and saiko-keishi-to contain effective anti-epilepsy herbs in various proportions. Other ingredients, including arepeony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian ginseng root, Asian scullcap root, and licorice root are also worth taking as herbal treatments against epilepsy. Both formulas have been shown in preliminary trials to be helpful herbal formalas for people with epilepsy. No negative interactions with a variety of anticonvulsant drugs were noted in these trials. The usual amount taken of these formulas is 2.5 grams three times per day as capsules or tea. People with epilepsy should not use either formula without first consulting with a healthcare professional.

Natrual Diet for Epilepsy

2009-04-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

Choose the optimal diet

Some patients can manage their epilepsy very well with medication; however, others may need surgery. Though many treatments are prone to overstate their effectiveness, the natural treatment of epilepsy has been tested and can reduce epilepsy seizures considerably. The ketogenic diet is well known as an effective diet for epilepsy. Ketosis, which can be produced by a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrate and protein, can be useful in reducing seizures. Statistics shows this kind of epilepsy diet is successful in almost one-half of epilepsy cases in children, and is still somewhat effective in another one-third of epilepsy cases. Based on these findings, if you are undergoing epilepsy, and are not taking any traditional treatments, it may be helpful to try the epilepsy diet to alleviate symptoms.

There has been much research done on the effects of the ketogenic diet on epileptic children, and all of it supports the success rate mentioned above. There has not been much similar research done on adults; however, the diet may still work on adults with epilepsy if they are able to comply with the strict dietary guidelines. First, to ensure successful maintenance, fasting under close medical supervision is the first step, and then the whole family needs to be educated about the diet. And with the medication, patients still would do best to observe the epilepsy diet.

Alternative medicine may help

Natural treatment of epilepsy with herbs and other supplements has been tested to work well against seizures. Sho-saiko-to and saiko-keishi-to are two Chinese herbal formulas including helpful anti-epilepsy herbs in various proportions. There are also many other ingredients that are worth taking in order to fight epilepsy, such as arepeony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian ginseng root, Asian scullcap root, and licorice root. They have all been tested in preliminary trials and can be used with ease. But people with epilepsy should consult a practitioner before using any formula. It is important that the practitioner find out as much as possible about your epilepsy. This is because there may be some side effects and allergic reactions. Once that happens, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Epilepsy is a very individual condition and different people have different experiences. But up to 70% of patients can control seizures with the customized medication. If you cannot completely control the condition even with suitable treatment, ask your doctor for help. Whether alternative medicine or special diet, choose the one that is ideal for you.

Trileptal intraction with other drugs:

2009-04-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Warnings and precautions before taking Trileptal :

* Trileptal capsule must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harmful side effects to the unborn child. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
* Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications along with Trileptal.
* Breast Feeding - Mothers who are taking Trileptal and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
* Patients should be warned that the effects of other drugs acting on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants, may be potentiated by Trileptal.
* Do not drink alcohol while taking Trileptal. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by Trileptal. It may also increase the risk of seizures.
* Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of oxcarbazepine you are taking before stopping completely.
* The safety and efficay of this medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents, hence it is not recommended for use in these age groups.

What if Overdose of Trileptal ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Trileptal, immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention.

What if Missed Dose of Trileptal?

If you miss a dose of Trileptal medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Trileptal:

Trileptal should be stored below 86°F (30°C) in a tight, light resistant container. Keep the medication away from the children. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Taking Trileptal To Treat Seizures

2008-10-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Trileptal is a brand name for oxcarbazepine, an anti-convulsant, and mood stabilizing drug that is meant for treating epilepsy (recurrent seizures) and bipolar disorders (manic-depressive illness).

Seizures come about because of an abnormal firing of neurons in the brain causing abrupt changes in motor activity and sense perception. There are two main classes of seizures officially identified, namely focal (partial) seizures and generalized seizures. Trileptal is used primarily for the treatment of partial seizures. It works by decreasing the neural impulses of the affected nerve cells.

Trileptal is a clinically proven medication for controlling partial seizures in adults and in children even as young as 4 years old. In such cases, Trileptal was found to be effective both by itself (as in monotherapy), and in combination with other anti-seizure drugs (adjunctive therapy). Moreover, patients who were administered this medicine experienced significantly fewer seizures. Thus, it was concluded that Trileptal could help in lowering the frequency of partial seizures. Partial seizures occur when a group of nerve cells starts firing their impulses abnormally within one hemisphere of the brain. Whether it's a simple or complex partial seizure depends on the alertness level or wakefulness of the patient when the seizure takes hold. Trileptal is also useful in adjunctive therapy for children of 2 years of age and older who suffer epilepsy.

Trileptal comes in tablets form of 150mg, 300mg, and 600mg. Trileptal can be taken either with food or on an empty stomach. Take it with a full glass of water. Do not drink alcohol while on this medication, as this will not only induce sleepiness, it will enhance the risk of seizure. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you are sure of how exactly Trileptal will be affecting these activities. So, if you find yourself getting dizzy, drowsy, having blurred vision, or poor coordination, abort such activities.

Generally, mild to moderately severe side effects that you would need to be aware of include dizziness, sleepiness, double vision, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, incoordination, abnormal vision, abdominal pain, tremor, indigestion, and abnormal gait. For children, they have additional side effects of getting infections and infestations.

Occasionally a condition termed as hyponatremia (low plasma sodium levels) is observed in patients treated with Trileptal. This is usually accompanied by feelings of severe fatigue, and in this case, the blood sodium levels will have to be tested and monitored. Additional side effects of this condition include a craving for salty food, for example, potato chips.

Your doctor should also be informed if in the past you have taken the epilepsy drug, carbamazepine. 25-30% of patients who have experienced allergic reactions to carbamazepine may react similarly to Trileptal. Thus, if you developed serious skin reactions after taking this medicine, consult your doctor immediately. Patients who are on birth control pills may need other forms of contraceptives, as this medicine will make the pills less effective.

It is highly recommended that you carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in case of an emergency.

Disclaimer: This article should not be substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Trileptal.

The Dangers of Trileptal: What you Should Know

2008-10-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is caused by chemical imbalance in a certain part of the brain. ADHD affects as many as 5% of all children. About half the ADHD children carry the condition into adulthood. The major treatment of ADHD involves taking prescription medications. One drug that is commonly used to help treat ADHD symptoms is Trileptal. There are dangers of Trileptal that parents should know about before their child starts taking it.

Trileptal is also known as oxcarbazepine. It is an anti-seizure medication used to stabilize the levels of electrical activity in the brain. It is most often prescribed to patients who have ADHD combined with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). While other anti-seizure medications have undergone various studies, the effectiveness of Trileptal has not been studied extensively.

There are several side effects associated with Trileptal. These can range from mild to severe. While not every patient who takes Trileptal experiences these side effects they are quite common. Trileptal side effects are divided into two categories: nuisance and dangerous.

Nuisance side effects are those that may be difficult to deal with but do not pose any additional health threat.

Oxcarbazepine Tablet (oxcarbazepine Trileptal) Information

2008-08-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

Oxcarbazepine should not be used to treat children whose symptoms may be caused by stress or a psychiatric disorder. Oxcarbazepine should not be used to combat fatigue or to replace rest.

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.

How to Take Oxcarbazepine

Take Oxcarbazepine exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of oxcarbazepine you are taking before stopping completely.

What are the Side Effects of Oxcarbazepine -

Like other medicines, Oxcarbazepine can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Oxcarbazepine include

* an allergic reaction
* difficulty breathing
* closing of your throat
* swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives
* nausea, general discomfort
* headache, extreme drowsiness, or confusion
* difficulty with concentration, speech, or language
* excessive sleepiness or fatigue

Side effects of Oxcarbazepine Drug that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

* pain or burning while urinating
* pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones
* poor control in body movements
* problems with coordination
* shaking or trembling of arms, legs, hands, and feet
* shortness of breath
* skin rash
* stuffy or runny nose
* tightness in chest
* trouble in walking
* troubled breathing
* unusual feelings
* unusual tiredness or weakness
* wheezing

Oxcarbazepine intraction with other drugs:

Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Warnings and precautions before taking Oxcarbazepine :

* Oxcarbazepine capsule must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harmful side effects to the unborn child. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
* Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications along with Oxcarbazepine.
* Breast Feeding - Mothers who are taking Oxcarbazepine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
* Patients should be warned that the effects of other drugs acting on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants, may be potentiated by Oxcarbazepine.
* Do not drink alcohol while taking Oxcarbazepine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by Oxcarbazepine. It may also increase the risk of seizures.
* Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of oxcarbazepine you are taking before stopping completely.
* The safety and efficay of this medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents, hence it is not recommended for use in these age groups.

What if Overdose of Oxcarbazepine ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Oxcarbazepine, immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention.

What if Missed Dose of Oxcarbazepine?

If you miss a dose of Oxcarbazepine medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Oxcarbazepine:

Oxcarbazepine should be stored below 86°F (30°C) in a tight, light resistant container. Keep the medication away from the children. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Trileptal General Information:

2008-08-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

Trileptal(Oxcarbazepine)is structurally a derivative of carbamazepine, adding an extra oxygen atom to the benzylcarboxamide group. This difference helps reduce the impact on the liver of metabolizing the drug, and also prevents the serious forms of anemia occasionally associated with carbamazepine. Aside from this reduction in side effects, it is thought to have the same mechanism as carbamazepine - sodium channel inhibition - and is generally used to treat partial seizures in epileptic children and adults.

Trileptal for patients

Patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity reactions to carbamazepine should be informed that approximately 25-30% of these patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions with TrileptalTM(oxcarbazepine).

Female patients of childbearing age should be warned that the concurrent use of Trileptal with hormonal contraceptives may render this method of contraception less effective. Additional non-hormonal forms of contraception are recommended when using Trileptal.

Caution should be exercised if alcohol is taken in combination with Trileptal therapy, due to a possible additive sedative effect.

Patients should be advised that Trileptal may cause dizziness and somnolence. Accordingly, patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on Trileptal to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storing your medication

2007-11-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not store in the bathroom, near
the kitchen sink, or in other damp
places. Heat or moisture may cause
the medicine to break down.Do not
keep outdated medicine or medicine
no longer needed. Ask your health
care professional how you should
dispose of any medicine you do not
use. Be sure that any discarded
medicine is out of the reach of
children.

What does trileptal look like ?

2007-11-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

Oxcarbazepine is available with a
prescription under the brand name
Trileptal. Other brand or generic
formulations may also be available.
Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about this medication,
especially if it is new to you.

Trileptal 150 mg - pale green-grey oval-shaped tablet
Trileptal 300 mg - yellow oval-shaped tablet
Trileptal 600 mg - light pink oval-shaped tablet
Trileptal Suspension(60 mg/mL)-off-white to slightly brown or red liquid

Other drugs that will affect Trileptal?

2007-11-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

Before using Trileptal, tell your doctor
about all other seizure medications you
are taking, including:

carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
phenytoin (Dilantin); or
valproic acid (Depakene).

Avoid while taking Trileptal?

2007-11-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated
during exercise and in hot weather. Follow
your doctor's instructions about the type
and amount of liquids you should drink. In
some cases, drinking too much liquid can
be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

If I miss a dose ?

2007-11-15T21:48:00.000-08:00

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the missed dose and take the medicine at the
next regularly scheduled time. Do not take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

May increase seizures

2007-11-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

Trileptal can cause side effects that
may impair your thinking or reactions.
Be careful if you drive or do anything
that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase
some of the side effects of Trileptal. It
may also increase the risk of seizures.

Interaction

2007-11-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

There are many other medicines that can
interact with Trileptal. Tell your doctor
about all the prescription and over-the-
counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Trileptal info

2007-11-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

Do not take Trileptal if you are allergic
to oxcarbazepine or to a similar medicine
called carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol).
Before taking Trileptal, tell your doctor
if you have liver or kidney disease.

After the seizure

2007-11-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

After the seizure subsides, the patient will slowly
come back to consciousness. During this time,
they may be embarrassed and apologetic. Do
what you can to reassure them. Don't volunteer
too much reassurance unless they seem to need
that. On the other hand, don't make the mistake of
assuming that the patient who doesn't appear to
need reassurance actually doesn't need reassurance.
Most of them can use at least a little.

While Driving

2007-11-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

I had one when I was driving I went through a
aura which can be hard to explain its like seeing
thing's in the past before the seizure happens.
This happen to me that day while in the car which
allowed me to pull over to the side of the road. Then
put the carin park and turn it off and it happen. The
seizure lasted about 25 seconds just a guess sat
there for awhile and continued home.

A Seizure

2007-11-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

If you witness someone going through a seizure
don't panic. Help the person by putting them on
there side do not put your finger in there mouth
keep them on there side and watch the breathing.
The person will not respond to you if you try to talk
to them. Theyare not in any pain for me personally
its almost like leaving your body loose total control
of all muscle's . Once the seizure ends seems like nothing
happen having no memory of what just took place not the
same for everyone. Sometimes get a head ache and feel
sleepy after one and will go to bed for couple hours and
get up and be good as new.

Trileptal Generic

2007-11-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

Finally got the generic trileptal which is alot
cheaper then the original. Take a 300 mg
pill twice a day. Thought there might be some
change with the new medication been on for a
couple day's and nothing changed. Best about
the Oxcarbazephine is the money will save.

Long-term side effects

2007-11-11T01:06:00.000-08:00

Especially those taking higher doses of Trileptal, the level
of sodium (salt) in the blood may become low (a condition
called hyponatremia). Usually this is not serious, but
occasionally it may increase the number of seizures that
you have or cause other problems such as tiredness or dizziness.
Your doctor may want to check the amount of sodium in your
blood to see if this is happening to you, especially if you are
having nausea, a vaguely "unwell" feeling, headache,listlessness,
or confusion.

Day by day

2007-11-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Day by day with trileptal like I did with the depakote.
To watch for the side effects couldn't drive for few month's
had to be careful at work. Say's some of the side effects like
drowsiness and dizziness and some other may happen while
taking the medication.

Generic Trileptal

2007-11-11T00:57:00.000-08:00

Then the generic trileptal (oxcarbazepine) came out.
Was so much cheaper than the trileptal. Month supply
is around sixty dollar's. Same medication just generic
brand.

Found Trileptal

2007-11-11T00:54:00.000-08:00

After being on depakote for a few weeks doctor prescribed
trileptal. What a difference very few side effects with it.
Only thing with the trileptal is the price month supply
was around $ 100.00 and some month's just was hard to
get it and would have to get sample's till had the money.

Other Medication

2007-11-11T00:44:00.000-08:00

Depakote, in both delayed-release tablet and
capsule form, is used to treat certain types of
seizures and convulsions. It may be prescribed
alone or with other epilepsy medications. This
was the first medication I was on and had many
side effects with.

What does it look like

2007-11-11T00:40:00.001-08:00

Trileptal 150 mg--almond-shaped, yellow, scored tablets
Trileptal 300 mg--almond-shaped, yellow, scored tablets
Trileptal 600 mg--almond-shaped, yellow, scored tablets
Trileptal Suspension (60 mg/mL)-off-white to slightly brown or red liquid

Some side effects

2007-11-11T00:37:00.000-08:00

Oxcarbazepine may cause drowsiness, dizziness,
blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive,
operate dangerous machinery, or perform other
hazardous activities until you know how oxcarbazepine
affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness,
blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these
activities.

Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)

2007-11-11T00:34:00.000-08:00

Oxcarbazepine is a drug that affects the nerves
and brain. It works by decreasing impulses in
nerves that cause seizures.Oxcarbazepine is used
alone and with other drugs to treat seizures.