eslicarbazepine

Antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications like Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) can raise your risk of suicide or thoughts of suicide. Watch for any new or worsening depression and any unusual changes in mood, especially during the first few months of taking this medication or if your dose changes. Report anything concerning to your provider. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) can cause severe allergic reactions, including symptoms such as rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or mouth. Severe skin reactions happen rarely but can be life-threatening. If not treated quickly, certain allergic reactions can lead to abnormal blood cell counts and damage to important organs, such as your liver, kidneys, or heart. Let your provider and pharmacist know if you've had an allergic reaction to oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) or carbamazepine (Tegretol), since their chemical structures are very similar to Aptiom (eslicarbazepine). Get medical help right away if you notice a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, flu-like symptoms, or swelling of the mouth, face, or throat.

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) can cause low sodium levels in the blood. This is more likely to happen if you take other medications that lower sodium levels, such as diuretics (water pills). If your sodium drops too low, it can be dangerous and lead to comas or even death. Your provider will monitor your blood sodium levels and other electrolyte levels on a regular basis while you're taking Aptiom (eslicarbazepine). Let your provider know if you experience severe headaches, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, confusion, muscle weakness or spasms, or unsteadiness at any point while taking this medication. Get medical help right away if you experience more serious symptoms, such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), more seizures than usual, or fainting.

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) can cause dizziness and problems with balance, movement, or coordination. It can also cause sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness, and can affect your memory or make it harder to think or act quickly. You can also have eyesight problems from taking Aptiom (eslicarbazepine), such as double or blurred vision. In general, these effects usually happen when you first start the medication, or when you switch to a higher dose. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) affects you. Let your provider know if these side effects are too bothersome.

Don't stop taking Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) without talking to your provider first. Antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications like Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) shouldn't be stopped too suddenly, since this can lead to seizures due to medication withdrawal. If it's necessary to stop taking it, your provider will instruct you on how to lower your dose slowly.