Compare Oxcarbazepine vs. Carbamazepine
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Summary of Oxcarbazepine vs. Carbamazepine
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyOxcarbazepine (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.
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyCarbamazepine (Tegretol) is an antiseizure medication used to treat different kinds of seizures. It can also help with trigeminal neuralgia, a type of facial nerve pain. Brand name Equetro is the only formulation that's approved to treat bipolar I disorder. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) available as pills and a liquid. Depending on formulation you take and what medical condition you have, carbamazepine (Tegretol) is taken by mouth 1 to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach upset.
Indications of Oxcarbazepine vs. Carbamazepine
Indications for•Partial-onset seizures (or focal aware seizures)Indications for•Mixed seizure patterns•Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)Pros and Cons of Oxcarbazepine vs. Carbamazepine
Pros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•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 medicationCons•Can make it hard to focus and react quickly•Can cause serious skin reactionsPros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•Works well for different types of seizures and trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)•Helps stabilize mood in people with bipolar disorder (Equetro brand only)•Available as a lower-cost generic•Comes in many dosage forms (e.g., chewable tablets, oral pills, liquid form) for people who have difficulty swallowing pillsCons•Might need to take the immediate-release form of the medication up to 4 times a day•Can cause a lot of side effects•Might require routine blood testing while taking the medication to see how it's affecting your body•Can make hormonal birth control not work as wellCommon Side Effects of Oxcarbazepine vs. Carbamazepine
Common Side Effects for•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.
Common Side Effects for•Dizziness (44%)•Sleepiness (32%)•Nausea (29%)•Vomiting (18%)•Difficulty walking or keeping balance (15%)•Constipation (10%)•Itching (8%)•Dry mouth (8%)•Weakness (8%)•Rash (7%)•Blurry vision (6%)•Speech problems (6%)Warnings of Oxcarbazepine vs. Carbamazepine
Common Side Effects for•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 seizuresCommon Side Effects for•Severe skin reactions•Low blood cell counts•Severe allergic reactions•Suicidal thoughts or behavior•Harm to unborn babies•Withdrawal•Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement•Liver problems•Low sodium levels•High eye pressure•Heart block (heart rhythm problems)Prices with our coupons for Oxcarbazepine vs. Carbamazepine
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