Oxcarbazepine

GENERIC NAME: OXCARBAZEPINE - ORAL (ox-kar-BAY-zih-peen)

USES
This medication is used to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). It may be used with other seizure medications as determined by your doctor.

HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily. This drug may be taken with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals. Do not skip doses. Do not suddenly stop taking this drug without your doctor's approval since seizures may reoccur. Notify your doctor if seizure control worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, trouble sleeping, acne, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these serious side effects: double vision, change in vision, involuntary eye movements, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, trouble walking (abnormal gait), uncontrolled muscle movements (tremor), dulled sense of touch, stomach pain. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, mental/mood changes, bloody stool. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking oxcarbazepine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to carbamazepine; or if you have any other allergies. Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney disease, decreased sodium blood levels (hyponatremia), recent seizures. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Oxcarbazepine is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, felodipine), other seizure control medication (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid). This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that make you drowsy, such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., hydrocodone, codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tight container away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.