{"id":54680,"date":"2022-10-19T14:31:47","date_gmt":"2022-10-19T18:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=54680"},"modified":"2022-10-19T14:31:47","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T18:31:47","slug":"oxcarbazepine-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/oxcarbazepine-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Oxcarbazepine side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#common-oxcarbazepine-side-effects\">Common oxcarbazepine side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#serious-side-effects\">Serious side effects<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0| <\/span><a href=\"#weight-gain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <a href=\"#side-effects-timeline\">Side effects timeline<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0| <a href=\"#contraindications\">Contraindications<\/a> | <a href=\"#warnings\">Warnings<\/a> | <a href=\"#interactions\">Interactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-avoid-side-effects\">How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <a href=\"#how-to-treat-side-effects\">How to treat side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/oxcarbazepine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a generic prescription <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/anticonvulsants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anticonvulsant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the active ingredient in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brand-name<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prescription drugs <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/trileptal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trileptal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/oxtellar-xr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxtellar XR<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">extended-release tablets<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It is used to control partial-onset seizures in people diagnosed with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/epilepsy-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">epilepsy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but is also prescribed off-label for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/trigeminal-neuralgia-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trigeminal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neuralgia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and to control manic episodes in people with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/bipolar-disorder-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Related to the widely-used anti-<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seizure medication<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/carbamazepine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> keeps nerves from firing quickly and repeatedly by interfering with the ability of nerves to build up an electric charge. In this way, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prevents seizures from spreading throughout the brain. Many of its <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are similar to those caused by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and are mainly due to its effects on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nervous system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-oxcarbazepine-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are dizziness, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">double vision<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleepiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7ecd5eef-46f4-407f-9b63-ba65adb3eced\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the list of the most likely <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/228305\/oxcarbazepine\/Adverse-Reactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eye movements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (nystagmus)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsteadiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abnormal gait<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vertigo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upset stomach<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abnormal thoughts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal thoughts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low sodium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hyponatremia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/pancreatitis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen pancreas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Withdrawal seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Onset of generalized seizures (primarily in children)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">skin reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"weight-gain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight gain<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0920121116300365\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least one study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has shown that children taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can experience significant increases in body weight. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in adults, however, seems to be less common. In clinical studies, people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gained weight at just a slightly higher percentage than people taking a placebo. Adults also experienced weight loss on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, then, seems to be uncommon among adults taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For children, though, it is important to keep an eye on body weight when they\u2019re on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It may be necessary to modify their diet or their activity to address <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-timeline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Trileptal-oxcarbazepine-1806.745\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">occur early in treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleepiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, and problems with thinking or concentrating. Most of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, however, are delayed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and require <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to be taken for a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the milder <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adverse effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> improve over time as the body adapts to the drug. Some of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nervous system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> problems, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drowsiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, may never go away completely, but they\u2019ll become easier to manage. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that don\u2019t go away are usually reversible when the drug is decreased or stopped.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is intended for long-term use\u2014years, if possible. Although it is similar to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/carbamazepine\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it does not seem to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thieme-connect.com\/products\/ejournals\/abstract\/10.1055\/s-0032-1329213\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cause bone loss<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when taken over the long-term in the same way as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or other widely-used <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antiepileptic drugs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/phenytoin-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenytoin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"contraindications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contraindications<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is never prescribed to anyone who has a known <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hypersensitivity<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the drug or to a related drug called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aptiom\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aptiom<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (eslicarbazepine acetate).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is considered a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/safe-medication-during-pregnancy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">risk during pregnancy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so it is prescribed cautiously and only if the benefits outweigh the risks. There is not only a risk for birth defects, but <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pregnant women<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may see an increase in the number of seizures when pregnant. Regular <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood tests<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may need to be performed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is prescribed cautiously in women who are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/breastfeeding-and-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breastfeeding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The drug is present in human breast milk, so it could cause problems in a nursing infant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-approved for use in children as young as 2 years of age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seniors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults older than 65 may not be able to eliminate the drug as quickly as young adults. This slower clearance puts seniors at a higher risk of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare professionals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will usually start with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low dose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the onset and try to keep the dose as low as possible. Seniors are also more vulnerable to falls, accidents, and injuries if they experience <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like dizziness and unsteadiness. As a final consideration, seniors are also more likely to have problems with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low sodium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is related to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it does not have a serious <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-box-warning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black box warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about suicidality or blood problems. It can cause those problems but is less likely to. There are, of course, other risks when taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cautions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some pre-existing medical conditions may cause problems in people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most serious caution involves people who are genetically susceptible to severe and potentially fatal drug reactions such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stevens-Johnson syndrome<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">toxic epidermal necrolysis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These people are born with a variant of the gene HLA-B 1502. This variant is more common among people of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asian<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> descent, so genetic testing may be performed before the drug is prescribed. Having this variant, however, is not a strict contraindication. The drug can still be taken, but, because of the risk, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will need to be carefully monitored.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who have had an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are more likely to have an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That doesn\u2019t mean the drug is prohibited. It does mean that patients, their <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caregivers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare providers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will need to watch more carefully for symptoms of an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some medical conditions can be worsened by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low sodium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/depression-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and suicidal tendencies. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/chronic-kidney-disease\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> makes it difficult for the body to flush the drug out, so higher concentrations of the drug make <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014including severe ones\u2014more likely. Reduced doses are usually prescribed to people with kidney problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> only helps with one type of seizure, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">partial seizures<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is not appropriate for other types of seizures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug abuse and physical dependence are not associated with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sudden discontinuation of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can provoke withdrawal seizures in people with a seizure disorder. When it\u2019s time to stop, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare providers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will prescribe a gradually tapering dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call a poison control center or get medical help if too much <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is taken. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleepiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, low blood pressure, agitation, vision problems, confusion, dizziness, balance problems, and even coma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drug interactions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> related to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> involve a liver enzyme that breaks down some medications. In some cases, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> speeds up the breakdown of other drugs, making them less effective. These include some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hiv-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AIDS\/HIV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drugs, some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-do-antibiotics-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hepatitis-c-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hepatitis C<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treatments, some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/anticoagulants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood thinners<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antiarrhythmics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart rhythm drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and hormonal <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/contraceptives\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contraceptives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Women taking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-birth-control-pill-contraceptive-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will be advised that they are at a higher risk for pregnancy if they also take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The list of drugs is very long, but be assured that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare professionals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are aware of these interactions and will adjust doses accordingly. A few of these drugs are so compromised that they are never prescribed with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other drugs do the opposite: they speed up the body\u2019s breakdown of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making it less effective. These include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the anti-<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seizure medication<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/phenytoin-sodium\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenytoin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/tuberculosis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tuberculosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treatment <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rifampin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rifampin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and other drugs. This list also includes the popular herbal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplement<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/st-johns-wort\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. John\u2019s wort<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so it\u2019s discouraged during <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs make seizures more likely. They are used cautiously in anyone taking drugs like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to control seizures. Some are never used, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/wellbutrin-xl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wellbutrin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/bupropion-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bupropion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tends to have fewer severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than its sister drug, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, mild to moderate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are slightly more likely to occur. Still, there are ways to keep these problems at bay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Tell the prescriber about all medical conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first rule is to make sure the prescriber knows about all medical conditions past and present. For <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4c5c86c8-ab7f-4fcf-bc1b-5a0b1fd0691b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most important<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A history of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">suicidal thoughts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or suicide attempts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression or mood problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy or pregnancy plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breastfeeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> plans<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Include all the medications being taken<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your medical history is not complete without including all prescription drugs, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications, and dietary <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> being taken.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Follow instructions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking too much <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> raises the risk of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adverse effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Follow the instructions to the letter. Do not take more than the prescribed dose or take it more often than prescribed. A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">missed dose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be taken when remembered, but skip it if it\u2019s almost time for the next dose. Never double up a dose to make up for a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">missed dose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Avoid driving or other risky activities<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause serious impairment, so it\u2019s wise to not drive, operate machinery, or engage in risky activities or sports for a few days. Once the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are understood, then it\u2019s okay to go back to driving if impairment is not too severe. If this drug makes you too drowsy or dizzy, do not drive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of oxcarbazepine<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can usually be handled at home. However, if they persist or get worse, get <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical advice<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the prescribing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, however, will require immediate medical attention. They are not always obvious, so make sure to be familiar with the signs of possibly serious problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal thoughts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and behaviors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thinking about suicide or showing signs of suicidality will require immediate medical attention. Any suspicion of suicidality should be reported to the prescriber, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4c5c86c8-ab7f-4fcf-bc1b-5a0b1fd0691b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">particularly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking about suicide or death<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making suicide plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sudden changes in mood, behaviors, or feelings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New or worse depression\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New or worse anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New or worse irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agitation or restlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panic attacks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aggression, hostility, or violence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acting on dangerous impulses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual or extreme increase in activity or talking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low sodium levels<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low sodium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A temporary and small dip in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sodium levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be resolved by eating more salt. The real problem arises if sodium gets too low. That\u2019s dangerous, so get medical attention if any of the following signs of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low sodium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are noticed:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An increase in seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling more tired than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling weak or without energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding it hard to think<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can poison the liver. The only way to tell for sure is with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood test<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but the following symptoms are clues that medical help is needed:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain on the right side of the upper abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dark urine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling less hungry than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellowing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the skin or eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause blood problems. They are all considered <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including reduced white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, and reduced numbers of blood clot-forming cells called platelets. Each of these problems will have different symptoms. The most important to watch out for are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An increase in both the frequency and severity of infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding more than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bruising more than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nosebleeds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding gums<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling tired or fatigued more than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling weaker than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug reactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potentially <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">life-threatening<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drug reactions usually affect the skin. They can develop very quickly after the first symptoms, so stop taking the drug and get immediate medical attention when noticing symptoms such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sores in the mouth and around the eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blisters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin peeling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could swiftly evolve into a serious problem. It\u2019s not always possible to tell if an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is due to the drug, so for safety\u2019s sake, get immediate medical attention at any of the following symptoms of an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the face, throat, or mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble swallowing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thieme-connect.com\/products\/ejournals\/abstract\/10.1055\/s-0032-1329213\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anticonvulsant<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> therapy leads to low bone mineral density \u2014 evidence for direct drug effects of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenytoin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on human osteoblast-like cells<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Diabetes<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/228301\/oxcarbazepine\/Adult-Dosing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Epocrates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Trileptal-oxcarbazepine-1806.745\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drug summary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Prescriber\u2019s Digital Reference<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7ecd5eef-46f4-407f-9b63-ba65adb3eced\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tablet prescribing information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4c5c86c8-ab7f-4fcf-bc1b-5a0b1fd0691b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trileptal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prescribing information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0920121116300365\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in children on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxcarbazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> monotherapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Epilepsy<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Research<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Common oxcarbazepine side effects | Serious side effects\u00a0| Weight gain | Side effects timeline\u00a0| Contraindications | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects | How to treat side effects Oxcarbazepine is a generic prescription anticonvulsant and the active ingredient in the brand-name prescription drugs Trileptal and Oxtellar XR (extended-release tablets). It is used [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":54685,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752,20802],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-54680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","tag-seizures","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Oxcarbazepine side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Weight gain is a common oxcarbazepine side effect. 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