Why is this medication prescribed?    

Oxcarbazepine is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy. Oxcarbazepine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.

How should this medicine be used?    

Oxcarbazepine comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day). , with or without food. Take oxcarbazepine at around the same times every day. 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.

Shake the suspension well right before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use the oral dosing syringe that came with the medication to withdraw the right amount of suspension from the bottle. You can swallow the suspension straight from the syringe, or you can mix it with a small glass of water and swallow the mixture. Wash the syringe with warm water and allow it to dry thoroughly after use.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of oxcarbazepine and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every three days. If you were taking another medication to treat your seizures and are switching to oxcarbazepine, your doctor may gradually decrease your dose of the other medication while increasing your dose of oxcarbazepine. Follow these directions carefully and ask your doctor if you are not sure how much medication you should take.

Oxcarbazepine may help control your seizures but will not cure your condition. Continue to take oxcarbazepine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking oxcarbazepine, your seizures may get worse. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Other uses for this medicine    

Oxcarbazepine is also sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of frenzied, abnormal excitement, and other abnormal moods). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?    

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach and sight of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any unused suspension 7 weeks after the bottle is first opened and any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose    

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.

What other information should I know?    

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to oxcarbazepine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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