Useful information about
Oxcarbazepine
Information for patients
Charles Clifford Dental Hospital
This leaflet provides some general information about oxcarbazepine.
Manufacturer information sheets are also provided with all medicines. If
you require any further information please do not hesitate to ask.
What is oxcarbazepine?
Oxcarbazepine belongs to a group of drugs called anticonvulsants that
are used to control epilepsy (or fits). It is also frequently used to treat
some types of nerve pain.
Before taking oxcarbazepine
Please inform your doctor if you:
• are allergic to carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine
• have any other condition, especially heart, kidney, liver, prostate
problems, blood disorders, porphyria, skin disorders or glaucoma
• are using any other medication (including oral contraception,
warfarin, diuretics, chlorpropamide, octreotide, vincristine)
• are pregnant (or planning pregnancy) or breastfeeding
• have or have had suicidal thoughts
How should I take oxcarbazepine?
Your doctor will prescribe how much oxcarbazepine you should take.
Normally oxcarbazepine will be prescribed twice daily, and for maximum
benefit the medication should be taken exactly 12 hours apart.
Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water.
Are there any side effects?
Oxcarbazepine may cause side effects in some people but they may vary
from person to person. Many side effects wear off over time.
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Serious side effects are rare but include:
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Fever or sore throat
Mouth ulcers or blistering
Odd movements or twitches
Easy bruising or unexpected
bleeding
• Rash
• Jaundice
• Slow or odd heart beats
inform your GP or hospital immediately if any of the above occurs.
Other side effects include:
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Depression and low mood
Nightmares or agitation
Feeling sick or loss of appetite
Sexual problems
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Feeling tired or drowsy
Feeling dizzy
Blurred or double vision
Headache
Can I drive?
Oxcarbazepine may make you feel sleepy. If you are affected you must
not drive or operate machinery.
Can I drink alcohol?
Please avoid drinking alcohol. The combined effects of oxcarbazepine
and alcohol can make you feel very sleepy and weak.
Can I get pregnant?
Oxcarbazepine can have harmful effects on the unborn child. If you are
planning to become pregnant please discuss this with your doctor.
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Osteoporosis
Oxcarbazepine has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis. If
you are female, over 50 and feel you may be at risk from osteoporosis,
then, after consultation with your GP, you may wish to consider having
your bone density measured.
Blood tests
Oxcarbazepine may reduce the sodium in your blood and your doctor
may wish to monitor this if the dose of oxcarbazepine is increased.
Other blood tests should be undertaken before commencing treatment
and repeated at intervals. Please discuss this with your GP or hospital
consultant.
Other medication
Oxcarbazepine may interact with other drugs such as:
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Some diuretics
Oral contraception or ethinylestradiol
Some other antiepileptic medication
Some antimalarial medication
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole,
lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole)
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Ciclosporin
Desmopressin
Indometacin
Lithium
Tacrolimus
If you have any concerns please discuss these with either your GP or
hospital doctor.
Alternative formats may be available on request.
Please email: [email protected]
© Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2015
Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the “Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005”
SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
Email [email protected]
PD5199-PIL1683 v4
Issue Date: December 2015. Review Date: December 2017