oxcarbazepine
Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is used alone or in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures in adults and children. Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets (Oxtellar XR) are used in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Oxcarbazepine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking oxcarbazepine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done in humans to determine whether oxcarbazepine itself makes it harder to get pregnant. Having a seizure disorder, as well as long-term use of seizure medications, might make it harder to conceive. Anyone with concerns about fertility while taking this medication should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking oxcarbazepine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. One study of 337 women with epilepsy taking oxcarbazepine did not find a higher rate of miscarriage compared to those taking other seizure medications. Individual questions about miscarriage risk should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking oxcarbazepine increase the risk of birth defects?
In the general population, about 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect. While animal studies have suggested a possible increase in birth defects, reports on nearly 2,600 human pregnancies have not shown a significantly increased chance of birth defects with oxcarbazepine alone; the chance may increase when it is combined with other anticonvulsant medications. Decisions about use during pregnancy should be made together with a healthcare provider.
Can taking oxcarbazepine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Animal studies and one small human report have suggested a possible link to lower birth weight, though another study of 94 infants did not find an increased chance of low birth weight, and low birth weight is also more common in infants of women with epilepsy in general. In rare cases, anticonvulsants including oxcarbazepine can contribute to bleeding problems in the newborn due to low vitamin K. There are also two case reports describing possible withdrawal-like symptoms (such as poor feeding, tremors, irritability) that resolved within 9–12 days, though a larger study did not find an increased risk; these issues should be discussed with a healthcare provider and the baby's pediatrician.
Can taking oxcarbazepine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is unclear whether oxcarbazepine use in pregnancy increases the chance of learning or behavior issues. Some studies of anticonvulsants (including small numbers of oxcarbazepine-exposed children) have suggested delayed verbal skills or increased chance of intellectual disability, while other studies have found no differences in neurodevelopment compared with unexposed children or those exposed to other anticonvulsants. A healthcare provider can help weigh these findings in the context of an individual situation.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking oxcarbazepine?
Oxcarbazepine does pass into breast milk, but 11 case reports found very low levels in the blood of breastfed infants, and 17 case reports describe healthy children with no side effects after exposure through breast milk. If a baby shows symptoms such as being very sleepy, being unable to wake for feeds, or poor weight gain, the child's healthcare provider should be contacted. Breastfeeding questions should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
oxcarbazepine