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Trileptal is a brand name for oxcarbazepine, an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizing drug that is intended for the treatment of epilepsy (recurrent seizures) and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness).
Seizures occur because of an abnormal firing of neurons in the brain that causes sudden changes in motor activity and sensory perception. There are two main types of seizures officially identified, ie coordination (partial) seizures and generalized seizures. Trileptal is used primarily for the treatment of partial seizures. It works by decreasing nerve impulses from nerve cells affected.
Trileptal is a drug clinically proven to control partial seizures in adults and children even as young as 4 years old. In such cases, Trileptal was found to be effective, both by itself (as monotherapy) and in combination with other anti-crisis (adjuvant therapy). Furthermore, patients who were given this medicine experienced significantly fewer seizures. Therefore, it was concluded that Trileptal may help in reducing the frequency of partial seizures. Seizures partial result when a group of nerve cells start firing their abnormal impulses in one hemisphere of the brain. Whether a simple or complex partial seizure depends on the level of alertness or wakefulness of the patient when the embargo was maintained. Trileptal is also useful in adjuvant therapy for children 2 years of age and older suffering from epilepsy.
Trileptal comes as tablets of 150 mg, 300 mg and 600 mg. Trileptal can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Take it with a full glass of water. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication because it not only induces sleep, which will enhance the risk of seizures. Do not drive or operate machinery dangerous until you know exactly how these activities are affected Trileptal. So if you find yourself getting dizzy, drowsy, having vision Blurred or poor coordination, abort these activities.
Usually mild to moderately severe side effects that would have to be aware of include dizziness, drowsiness, double vision, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, incoordination, abnormal vision, abdominal pain, tremor, indigestion, and alteration gait. For children who have additional adverse effects of contracting infections and infestations.
Sometimes a condition known as hyponatremia (levels low plasma sodium) is observed in patients treated with Trileptal. This is usually accompanied by feelings of severe fatigue, and in this case, blood levels Sodium must be tested and controlled. Other side effects of this condition include a desire for salty foods, eg chips.
Your doctor must also be informed if in the past that took the epilepsy drug carbamazepine. 25-30% of patients who have experienced allergic reactions to carbamazepine may react similarly to Trileptal. Thus, if developed severe skin reactions after taking this medicine, consult your doctor immediately. The Patients who are on birth control pills may need other forms of contraceptives, as this medicine may make the pill less effective.
It is highly recommended that you carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in case of an emergency.
Disclaimer: This article should not be substituted for medical advice. Please speak with a qualified professional for more information about Trileptal.
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