Oxcarbazepine

Uses

This medication is used to treat specific types of seizures (fits) in adults and children.

IUPAC name: 5-oxo-6H-benzo[b][1]benzazepine-11-carboxamide

Drug class: Anticonvulsant/ Antiepileptic drug

Route of administration: Oral

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

This anti-epileptic medicine works by decreasing the abnormal activity of nerve impulses in the brain that produce seizures, thus helping to restore the normal balance of nerve activity.

 Side effects

It may cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, lack of coordination, trouble with speech, confusion, tremor, muscle pain, unusual thoughts, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite, unmanageable eye movements, vision changes, rash/itching, uncommon bruising or bleeding, dry mouth, yellowing of skin/eyes.

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:

If you are allergic to it, or to other anticonvulsant drugs, or if you have other allergies,

If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),

When you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, low levels of sodium in the blood,

If you have undergone any type of surgery,

Limit your alcohol usage since it increases your chances of developing blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. It may also cause a loss of alertness.

This drug’s adverse effects are more severe in younger children.

Do not discontinue this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.