Chemical Name: Oxcarbazepine
Brand Name: Trileptal
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Description: Trileptal is an anti seizure medication which also seems to helpful in mood stabilization for patients with Bipolar Disorder.
Indications and Use: FDA approved for treating seizures in both adults and children. It is not FDA approved for use as a mood stabilizer. Mood stabilization is considered an off-label use of Trileptal.
Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions: Possible hyponatremia (low serum sodium in at risk patients. Patients who have had hypersensitivity to carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol) might also experience a hypersensitivity to Trileptal (25-30% risk).
Adverse Reactions: Possible side effects include: dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and tiredness. Trileptal may also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Photosensitivity is another possible side effect (easily sun burned.)
Dosing Range: The dosing range for adults generally starts at 300 mg twice a day (taken with or without food). The dose may be increased weekly up to a maximum of 2400 mg per day. The dosing range for children is based on weight.
