Sign inBefore taking oxcarbazepine
Before taking oxcarbazepine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you have been told you have low sodium in the blood.
- If you are taking the contraceptive pill.
- if you have ever suffered from problems affecting your bone marrow such as leukaemia.
- if you have had a reaction to an antiepileptic drug called carbamazepine
How to take oxcarbazepine
- Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine without speaking to your doctor first. They will want to reduce your dose gradually.
- The tablets can be broken in half to make them easier to swallow
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that they can monitor your progress.
- Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. Try to avoid alcohol while you are taking oxcarbazepine. If you do drink alcohol drink only a little and be aware of its affect on you.
- Oxcarbazepine can prevent the contraceptive pill from working. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on suitable contraception.
- While you are taking oxcarbazepine, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.
Can oxcarbazepine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. |
| Drowsiness, dizziness, problems with vision, weakness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor. |
Other side effects include feeling agitated, shaking, feeling depressed, poor attention, forgetfulness, hair loss and acne
Important: if you experience an allergic reaction with swelling of the mouth or face, contact a doctor straight away.
Important: If you experience tiredness, confusion, have a high temperature, a sore throat, rash, mouth ulcers, unexplained bruising or bleeding speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
How to store oxcarbazepine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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