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Oxcarbazepine

Brand names: Trileptal, Oxtellar XR

Oxcarbazepine treats partial (focal) seizures. It's related to carbamazepine but has fewer interactions.

Brand namesTrileptal, Oxtellar XR
Type of medicineAnticonvulsant (seizure medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It can lower blood sodium; your provider may check it.

What it's used for

  • Partial (focal) seizures
  • Off-label: trigeminal neuralgia, bipolar disorder

How to take it

  • Take it with or without food (Oxtellar XR on an empty stomach).
  • Don't stop suddenly; this can trigger seizures. Your provider will lower the dose slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Double vision
  • Nausea
  • Unsteadiness
Call your provider todayConfusion, headache, nausea, or more seizures (low sodium)
Call 911A blistering, peeling, or widespread red rash, especially with fever
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, or trouble breathing

Warnings

  • It makes hormonal birth control less effective.
  • People with a carbamazepine allergy may react to it.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Hormonal birth control may fail; use another method.
  • Water pills add to low sodium risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider before pregnancy; don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.