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Trileptal vs. Depakote

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.

• Partial-onset seizures (or focal aware seizures)

• 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.

• 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

Divalproex (Depakote) is an antiepileptic medication used to treat certain types of seizures, bipolar disorder, and prevent migraines. The medication comes as delayed-release (DR) tablets, extended-release (ER) tablets, and sprinkle capsules. You take it by mouth, either once a day or in divided doses, depending on your condition and the form that's prescribed. Common side effects include stomach pain, hair loss, and diarrhea. Serious risks include liver problems, inflammation of the pancreas, and birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

• Bipolar disorder
• Seizures
• Migraine prevention

Bipolar disorder

• Sleepiness (19-26%)
• Indigestion (9-23%)
• Nausea (19-22%)
• Vomiting (12-13%)
• Dizziness (12%)
• Accidental injury (6-11%)
• Stomach pain (9-10%)
• Weakness (6-10%)

Seizures

• Nausea (48%)
• Headache (31%)
• Weakness (27%)
• Vomiting (27%)
• Sleepiness (27%)
• Tremor (25%)
• Dizziness (25%)
• Stomach pain (23%)

Migraine

• Nausea (15-31%)
• Weakness (20%)
• Sleepiness (7-17%)
• Infection (15%)
• Indigestion (7-13%)
• Diarrhea (7-12%)
• Dizziness (12%)
• Vomiting (7-11%)

• Liver problems
• Birth defects
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Bleeding and blood conditions
• High ammonia levels
• Low body temperature
• Severe skin reactions
• Serious allergic reaction
• Sleepiness in older adults
• Interaction with other medications