Oxcarbazepine is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. Oxcarbazepine is in a class of drugs called antiepileptics. It works by blocking the effects of substances in the brain that may cause seizures.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Oxcarbazepine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day, with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxcarbazepine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Oxcarbazepine controls seizures but does not cure them. Continue to take oxcarbazepine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, acne, dry mouth, taste changes, constipation, or stomach upset. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience confusion or memory loss; nervousness; severe or unusual tiredness; double vision, changes in vision, or involuntary eye movement; difficulty speaking; loss of coordination; trouble walking (abnormal gait); uncontrolled muscle movements (tremor); muscle weakness; dulled sense of touch; nosebleed; or stomach pain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; mental/mood changes; unusual or disturbing thoughts; blood in your stool; reddened, swollen, or blistered skin; fever or chills; persistent cough or sore throat; swelling of glands in neck or armpit; yellowing eyes or skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; lower back pain; decreased amount of urine produced; joint pain; severe weakness; or increased or more severe seizures. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or if you notice an increase in how often you are having seizures, check with your doctor as soon as possible. Laboratory and medical tests (e.g., sodium levels, pregnancy tests) may be performed to monitor your therapy. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used alone or with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children 4 years of age and older. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Oxcarbazepine is used occasionally to treat anxiety. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to carbamazepine (Tegretol) contact your doctor or pharmacist BEFORE TAKING THIS MEDICINE. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood sodium levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or vision changes. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes allergy or cough and cold products, because they may contain medicines which cause drowsiness. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.