Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) and Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat partial-onset seizures. Both Aptiom and Trileptal are available in both brand-name and generic forms. Aptiom is typically taken once daily, whereas Trileptal can be taken once or twice daily depending on the formulation. Both medications can cause dizziness, headaches, and low sodium levels, but Aptiom can also cause sleepiness and vision problems. Trileptal, on the other hand, has a higher risk of causing severe skin reactions, especially in people of Asian descent. Additionally, Trileptal is available in an oral liquid form, which can be helpful for those who have trouble swallowing tablets. Both medications can interact with other drugs and may require regular blood tests to monitor sodium levels.
Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Summary of Aptiom vs. Trileptal
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) helps control seizures if you have partial-onset epilepsy. It can be used in people aged 4 years and older, but it interacts with some other medications and can be expensive if not covered by insurance.
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) helps treat partial-onset seizures (also known as focal onset aware seizures), which are seizures that start on one side of the brain. It can be taken by both adults and children, either on its own or with other antiseizure medications. Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is taken by mouth, either once or twice daily. Some common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. It's available as generic tablets and oral suspensions, and also under the brand names Trileptal and Oxtellar XR.
•Can affect focus, concentration, and your ability to react quickly
•Can cause life-threatening skin reactions
Common Side Effects of Aptiom vs. Trileptal
Common Side Effects for
•Dizziness (20-28%)
•Sleepiness (11-18%)
•Headache (13-15%)
•Nausea (10-16%)
•Double vision (9-11%)
•Vomiting (6-10%)
•Tiredness (4-7%)
•Blurry vision (5-6%)
•Difficulty with movement or coordination (4-6%)
•Feeling like the room is spinning (2-6%)
•Shakiness (tremor, 2-4%)
Common Side Effects for
•Dizziness (22%)
•Nausea (16%)
•Headache (13%)
•Vomiting (7%)
•Diarrhea (7%)
•Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
Please note: These side effects were reported by people in clinical trials who took Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) on its own, without having taken other antiseizure medications before. The side effects you experience might be different if you're taking or have taken other antiseizure medications.
Warnings of Aptiom vs. Trileptal
Common Side Effects for
•Suicidal thoughts or behavior
•Severe allergic reactions
•Low sodium levels
•Difficulty with movement, concentration, and vision
•Withdrawal seizures
•Liver injury
Common Side Effects for
•Low blood sodium levels
•Severe allergic and skin reactions
•Risk of suicidal thoughts
•Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement