The chemical structure of oxcarbazepine is similar to that of carbamazepine, another active ingredient with anticonvulsant activity.
In order to exert its therapeutic effect, oxcarbazepine must be administered orally; in fact, the medicines that contain it are formulated in tablet form. These, in order to be dispensed, require the presentation of a specific medical prescription; however, from the moment which are classified as class A drugs, their cost can be reimbursed by the National Health System (SSN).
Examples of Medicines containing Oxcarbazepine
- Oxcarbazepina Tecnigen® (generic drug)
- Tolep® ("brand name" drug)
Oxcarbazepine can be used either alone, on its own, or in combination therapy with other antiepileptic drugs.
and / or kidneys;- Diuretics;
- Hormonal contraceptives, as oxcarbazepine may reduce its effectiveness.
In any case, as a precaution, before taking oxcarbazepine-based medicines, it is advisable to inform your doctor of your health conditions, making him aware of the possible presence of disorders or diseases of any kind, even if not listed in the above list .
During treatment with oxcarbazepine, however, it is necessary to immediately stop taking the active ingredient and contact your doctor immediately if symptoms such as:
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, face, throat, mouth sudden breathing problems; fever with swollen glands; rash or blisters on the skin (symptoms of possible allergic reactions);
- Jaundice (possible symptom of hepatitis);
- Increased frequency of seizures;
- Tiredness, shortness of breath during exercise, paleness, headache, chills, dizziness, frequent infections causing fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, bleeding or bruising that develop more easily than normal, nose bleed, patches reddish or purplish patches on the skin whose cause is unknown (possible symptoms of blood disorders);
- Rapid or unusually slow heartbeat;
- Suicidal and / or self-harming thoughts.
Please Note
Oxcarbazepine may cause undesirable effects which may affect the ability to drive and / or use machines, such as dizziness, vertigo, lethargy and fainting.It is recommended to use caution and to avoid these activities should such side effects appear.
, lamotrigine, valproic acid, etc.);In any case, before starting oxcarbazepine therapy, you should tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any drugs or products of any kind, including non-prescription drugs (SOP ), over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal and phytotherapeutic products and homeopathic products.
Interaction of Oxcarbazepine with Food and Drinks
Alcohol can increase the sedative effects induced by oxcarbazepine. Therefore, the consumption of alcoholic beverages during treatment should be avoided.
experiencing undesirable effects that differ in type and intensity, or not showing them at all.Here are just some of the main side effects caused by oxcarbazepine; for more information, we recommend reading the package leaflet of the medicine you are taking.
Among the most common side effects that can occur during treatment with oxcarbazepine, we find:
- Headache;
- Tiredness and sleepiness;
- Nausea;
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain;
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances;
- Disorders of coordination;
- Tremors
- Nystagmus;
- Nervousness, agitation and anxiety;
- Depression;
- Mood swings;
- Memory disturbances;
- Difficulty concentrating
- Apathy;
- Confusion;
- Dizziness;
- Hyponatremia;
- Skin disorders such as acne and alopecia.
Among the rarer side effects that can occur during therapy with oxcarbazepine, however, we remember:
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Urticaria;
- Hypertension;
- Severe skin reactions;
- Speech disturbances;
- Decreased levels of T4 (thyroid hormone);
- Insufficient production of blood cells by the bone marrow and blood disorders such as:
- Pancytopenia;
- Agranulocytosis;
- Neutropenia;
- Aplastic anemia.
Serious side effects that require medical attention
Oxcarbazepine therapy can give rise to serious side effects - fortunately rather rare - the occurrence of which, however, requires prompt medical assistance. In detail, these effects consist of:
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, face, throat or mouth accompanied by difficulty in breathing, speaking or swallowing (these may be signs of anaphylactic reactions and angioedema).
- Severe blistering of the skin and / or mucous membranes of the lips, eyes, mouth, nostrils or genitals (signs of severe allergic reactions, including Lyell's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme).
- Skin rash, fever, joint swelling and pain in muscles and joints (these are other signs of hypersensitivity reactions).
- Rash with red spots mainly on the face, which may be accompanied by fatigue, fever, feeling sick (nausea) or loss of appetite (signs of systemic lupus erythematosus).
- Mental confusion, altered level of consciousness, coma (these are signs of hepatic encephalopathy).
- Presence of protein in the urine, inflammation and reduced kidney function (these are symptoms of kidney failure).
- Breathing difficulties, pulmonary edema, asthma, bronchospasm and inflammation of the lungs.
- Tiredness, shortness of breath during exercise, paleness, headache, chills, dizziness, frequent infections causing fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, bleeding or bruising that develop more easily than normal, nose bleed, patches reddish or purplish patches on the skin, the cause of which is unknown (signs of thrombocytopenia or pancytopenia).
- Lethargy, confusion, muscle spasms, significant worsening of seizures, encephalopathy, visual disturbances, vomiting, nausea, folic acid deficiency (possible symptoms of hyponatremia).
- Flu-like symptoms with jaundice (signs of hepatitis).
- Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite (signs of inflammation of the pancreas).
- Weight gain, tiredness, hair loss, muscle weakness, feeling cold (signs of impaired thyroid function).
Overdose
In the event of an oxcarbazepine overdose, symptoms such as:
- Nausea and / or vomiting;
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness;
- Lethargy
- Confusional state;
- Increase in uncontrolled movements;
- Muscle twitching
- Worsening of seizures
- Difficulty in coordination;
- Nystagmus;
- Visual disturbances;
- Hypotension;
- Decreased respiratory rate.
Therefore, given the symptoms that may occur, in the event of an overdose of oxcarbazepine - ascertained or presumed to be - it is advisable to go to the nearest emergency room, taking care to take the package of the medicine taken with you.
of hyper-excited neuronal membranes, the inhibition of repetitive neuronal discharges and the inhibition of the transmission of repetitive synaptic impulses. In addition, the modulation of activated calcium channels and the increase in potassium conductance also contribute to the anticonvulsant activity.Thanks to the above mechanisms of action and to the regulation of ionic fluxes at the cellular level, oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite are able to counteract and suppress the onset of epileptic seizures.
body, to be administered in two divided doses. Thereafter, your doctor may gradually increase the amount of oxcarbazepine until the ideal maintenance dose is reached, which is generally around 30 mg / kg of body weight per day. The maximum dose of 46 mg of oxcarbazepine per kg of body weight per day should never be exceeded.
Please Note
Treatment with oxcarbazepine should not be stopped abruptly and independently by the patient. Such behavior, in fact, could cause the appearance of sudden epileptic seizures.
?The use of oxcarbazepine during pregnancy may increase the risk of malformations in the baby. Therefore, the active substance should only be administered to pregnant women if absolutely necessary and only under close medical supervision. If the doctor decides to proceed. with oxcarbazepine therapy, the pregnant woman should not voluntarily stop treatment, as there is a risk of sudden seizures.
Oxcarbazepine is excreted in breast milk; therefore, breastfeeding during treatment with the active substance in question is not recommended. However, in such cases, it is always advisable to contact your doctor.
