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Compare Trileptal vs. Banzel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) and rufinamide (Banzel) are both antiepileptic medications, but they are used for different types of seizures. Trileptal is used to treat partial-onset seizures and can be taken alone or with other seizure medications. It’s available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms (Oxtellar XR). The immediate-release form can be used in children as young as 2 years old. On the other hand, rufinamide is specifically used for seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and can be given to adults and children as young as 1 year old. Unlike Trileptal, rufinamide must be taken with other seizure medications and with food for full absorption. Both medications can cause dizziness and drowsiness, but rufinamide also has a risk of heart rhythm problems and requires careful monitoring for severe allergic reactions, especially in children under 12. Both medications are available as a low-cost generic.

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Rufinamide (Banzel)
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Rufinamide (Banzel)
Summary of Trileptal vs. Banzel
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.
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Rufinamide (Banzel) is an antiepileptic medication that helps control seizures due to a type of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). It's approved as add-on treatment to other anti-seizure medications for adults and children 1 year of age and older. Rufinamide (Banzel) is typically taken by mouth twice a day. It comes in tablet and oral suspension form. Rufinamide (Banzel) isn't a controlled substance, but it commonly causes drowsiness and vomiting as side effects.
Indications of Trileptal vs. Banzel
Indications for

•Partial-onset seizures

Indications for

•Seizures related to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) - add-on treatment
Pros and Cons of Trileptal vs. Banzel
Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
Pros

•Works well for partial-onset seizures

•Immediate-release oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) can be used in children as young as 2 years old

•Available as an extended-release tablet taken once daily

•Available as an oral liquid for people having trouble swallowing the tablets

Cons

•Safety in pregnant and breastfeeding females isn't completely clear

•Interacts with many medications

•Can affect focus, concentration, and your ability to react quickly

•Can cause life-threatening skin reactions

Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
Pros

•Works well to lessen the number of seizures in a month if you have Lennox–Gastaut syndrome

•Can give to children 1 year of age and older

•Comes as an orange-flavored suspension if you have trouble swallowing pills

•Not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have strict regulations from the government

Cons

•Must take with other anti-seizure medications (not by itself)

•Only used for seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome; not for other seizure conditions

•Must take with food to help the body fully absorb the medication

•Can cause drowsiness
Common Side Effects of Trileptal vs. Banzel
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.
Common Side Effects for
Children (age 1 to younger than 4 years old)

•Vomiting (24%)

•Drowsiness (16%)

•Bronchitis (12%)

•Constipation (12%)

•Cough (12%)

•Low appetite (12%)

•Rash (12%)

Children (age 3 to younger than 17 years old)

•Drowsiness (17%)

•Vomiting (17%)

•Headache (16%)

•Tiredness (9%)

•Dizziness (8%)

•Nausea (7%)

Adults

•Headache (27%)

•Dizziness (19%)

•Tiredness (16%)

•Nausea (12%)

•Drowsiness (11%)
Warnings of Trileptal vs. Banzel
Common Side Effects for

•Low blood sodium levels

•Severe allergic and skin reactions

•Risk of suicidal thoughts

•Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement

•Higher risk for other seizures

•Withdrawal

Common Side Effects for

•Suicidal thoughts or behavior

•Drowsiness, tiredness, and difficulty controlling movements

•Heart rhythm problems

•Severe allergic reaction

•Seizures after stopping the medication too quickly

•Life-threatening seizure complication (status epilepticus)

•Low white blood cell counts
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Key takeaways

Summary of Trileptal vs. Banzel

Indications of Trileptal vs. Banzel

Pros and Cons of Trileptal vs. Banzel

Common Side Effects of Trileptal vs. Banzel

Warnings of Trileptal vs. Banzel

Prices with our coupons for Trileptal vs. Banzel

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