How Does Oxcarbazepine Works?

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsant; drug used to treat a variety of seizure disorders.

How the Oxcarbazepine Product Works:

Oxcarbazepine prevents or reduces some types of seizures by controlling abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Uses of The Oxcarbazepine:

For use alone or in combination therapy for the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy and as combination therapy for the treatment of partial seizures in children 4 to 16 years of age with epilepsy.

Unlabeled Uses: Oxcarbazepine has been used for atypical panic disorder.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to oxcarbazepine or any of its ingredients.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical studies in pregnant women; however, it is closely related structurally to carbamazepine, which is considered to be teratogenic in humans. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite MHO are excreted in human breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, decide whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug in nursing women, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Children: Oxcarbazepine has been shown to be effective as adjunctive therapy combined with other drugs for partial seizures in patients 4 to 16 years of age.

Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include blood sodium levels, liver function, kidney function, and blood tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with oxcarbazepine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with oxcarbazepine:

Calcium channel blockers (eg, felodipine)

Carbamazepine (eg, tegretol)

Phenobarbital (eg, solfoton)

Phenytoin (eg, dilantin)

Valproic acid (eg, depakene)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many oxcarbazepine users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; inflammation of the stomach; appetite changes; dry mouth; toothache; diarrhea; indigestion; constipation; rectal bleeding or pain.

Nervous System: Headache; dizziness; drowsiness; anxiety; fatigue; weakA­ness; incoordination; tremors; continual rapid eye movement; abnormal gait; sleeplessness; impaired concentration; amnesia; worsening of seizures; involuntary muscle contractions; unstable emotions; decreased sensation to stimuli; nervousness; agitation; speech disorder; confusion; feeling of whirling motion; abnormal EEG; abnormal thinking.

Respiratory System: Sinus congestion; runny nose; upper respiratory infection; cough; breathing difficulties; sore throat; nosebleed; chest infection.

Skin: Acne; hot flashes; flushing; rash; unusual bruising; increased sweating; itching.

Other: Double vision; abnormal vision; earache; ear infection; fever; allergy; swelling of the legs; chest pain; weight increase; low blood pressure; following down; swollen lymph nodes; viral infection; urinary tract infection; frequent urination; inflammation or pain of the vagina; low blood sodium levels; thirst.

Guidelines for Use:

Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

Do not stop taking or change the dose unless advised to do so by your doctor.

May be taken without regard to meals.

Avoid alcohol and other mental depressants (eg, narcotics, tranquilizers, antihistamines) while you are taking this medicine.

Treatment should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Additional non hormonal forms of contraception (eg, latex condoms) are recommended because of a reduction in hormonal contraceptive efficacy during therapy.

Avoid alcohol during therapy; it may cause drowsiness.

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing hazardous tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity until tolerance is determined.

Store at controlled room temperature (59A° to 86A°F). Keep tightly closed