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Aptiom vs. Trileptal

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)

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Oxcarbazepine

(Trileptal)

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Summary for Aptiom

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.

Indications for Aptiom

  • Partial-onset seizures

Pros and Cons for Aptiom

Pros

  • Can be used on its own, or with other seizure medications for better seizure control
  • Convenient, taken once daily
  • Tablets can be crushed (doesn't come in liquid form)

Cons

  • Causes dizziness, headache, and vision problems quite often
  • Can't take if you're allergic to oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
  • Brand name only, so it can be more expensive than other alternatives

Common Side Effects for Aptiom

  • 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%)

Warnings for Aptiom

  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Low sodium levels
  • Difficulty with movement, concentration, and vision
  • Withdrawal seizures
  • Liver injury

Summary for Trileptal

Prescription only

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is used to treat partial-onset seizures (also called focal aware seizures). This antiepileptic is for people 2 years of age and older. It helps calm the brain to keep seizures from happening. Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) comes as immediate-release tablets and an oral suspension. You take it by mouth twice a day. Some common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Immediate-release oxcarbazepine comes in both brand-name and generic versions. You can take it by itself or with other anti-seizure medications.

Indications for Trileptal

Pros and Cons for Trileptal

Pros

  • Okay for children as young as 2 years old with partial-onset seizures to take
  • Available as an oral liquid for people who have trouble swallowing the tablets
  • Dose can be adjusted based on response to the medication

Cons

  • Can make it hard to focus and react quickly
  • Can cause serious skin reactions
  • Interacts with many medications, including some antidepressants and other seizure medications

Common Side Effects for Trileptal

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Trouble walking
  • Double vision
  • Other changes in vision
  • Shaky eye movements (nystagmus)

Note: Side effects were reported by people who took oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) either by itself or with other seizure medications.

Warnings for Trileptal

  • Low sodium levels
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Trouble with concentration, speech, and movement
  • Higher risk of having new seizures
  • Withdrawal seizures

Prices with our coupons for Aptiom vs. Trileptal

Price Card Drug Icon
Eslicarbazepine30 tablets / 800mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Oxcarbazepine60 tablets / 300mg
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