Oxtellar XR (Oxcarbazepine) for Epilepsy

Overview
Oxtellar XR is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control partial-onset seizures in people six years of age and older. Oxtellar XR may be prescribed as monotherapy (a stand-alone drug) or as an adjunctive medication with other antiepileptic drugs. Oxtellar XR is also referred to by its drug name, oxcarbazepine. Oxcarbazepine is also sold under the brand name Trileptal.

Oxtellar XR is an anticonvulsant, or in other words, a drug used to prevents seizures. Oxtellar XR is derived from carbamazepine and is metabolized into eslicarbazepine in the body. It is believed to work in cases of epilepsy by inhibiting nerve signals in the brain.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Oxtellar XR is taken orally as an extended-release tablet once daily. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Oxtellar XR and gradually increase the dosage.

Do not stop taking Oxtellar XR suddenly. If you decide to stop taking Oxtellar XR, consult your physician for a plan to reduce your dosage gradually.

Oxtellar XR should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Oxtellar XR lists common side effects including dizziness, sleepiness, headache, difficulty balancing, tremors, vomiting, double vision, weakness, and fatigue. Some of these side effects may fade as your body acclimates to Oxtellar XR. Drinking alcohol while taking Oxtellar XR can intensify some side effects.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Oxtellar XR include low blood sodium levels, severe allergic reactions, and severe skin reactions.

Call your doctor if you experience a rash, confusion, sluggishness, vomiting, or worsening seizures while taking Oxtellar XR.

The risk for allergic reactions when taking Oxtellar XR is highest among people with Asian ancestry. If you are taking Oxtellar XR, get medical help immediately if you experience a rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue. Your doctor may order a genetic test to gauge your risk for allergic reactions to Oxtellar XR before prescribing it.

Rarely, some people experience neurological symptoms including depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior while taking Oxtellar XR. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are certain you understand how Oxtellar XR affects you.

Oxtellar XR may reduce the effectiveness of some forms of birth control, including oral contraceptives and implants. You may need to adopt another form of birth control while using Oxtellar XR.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Oxtellar XR — Supernus
https://www.oxtellarxr.com

Oxtellar XR — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/oxtellar-xr-drug.htm