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Compare Trileptal vs. Keppra

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

Key takeaways

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal, Oxtellar XR) and levetiracetam (Keppra, Keppra XR, Roweepra, Elepsia XR) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some differences. Oxcarbazepine is mainly used for partial-onset seizures and works by blocking sodium channels in the brain. It can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet, and also comes in a liquid form. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Levetiracetam, on the other hand, is used for various types of seizures, including partial-onset, myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms, as well as a liquid. Levetiracetam works by stopping neurons from releasing certain chemicals, and common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, and headaches. Unlike oxcarbazepine, levetiracetam does not have known interactions with food or other medications. Both medications can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and severe skin reactions, but levetiracetam is also known to cause mood changes and behavioral issues, especially in children.

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Summary of Trileptal vs. Keppra
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
Immediate-release levetiracetam is a seizure medication for adults and children. It's known as the brand names Keppra and Roweepra, and it also has a generic version. This medication comes as a tablet and liquid that's taken twice each day. The dosage depends on your age, weight, and the type of seizure you have. Levetiracetam (Keppra) doesn't have any known interactions with food or medications. Common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, and headache.
Indications of Trileptal vs. Keppra
Indications for

•Partial-onset seizures

Indications for

•Focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 1 month and older

•Add-on treatment for myoclonic seizures from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people ages 12 years and older

•Add-on treatment for generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people ages 6 years and older
Pros and Cons of Trileptal vs. Keppra
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

•Available as tablets and a liquid (liquid recommended for children weighing 44 lbs or less)

•Taken by mouth with or without food

•Usually tolerated well

Cons

•Need to take twice per day

•Might cause changes in behavior or mood

•Might not be the best option if you have a history of mental health problems (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
Common Side Effects of Trileptal vs. Keppra
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
Side effects were reported by people with focal aware seizures taking levetiracetam (Keppra) with other seizure medications. Side effects might differ for other seizure types. <br> Adults:

•Weakness (15%)

•Sleepiness (15%)

•Headache (14%)

•Infection (13%)

•Dizziness (9%)

Children:

•Headache (19%)

•Common cold symptoms (15%)

•Vomiting (15%)

•Sleepiness (13%)

•Tiredness (11%)

•Being aggressive (10%)

•Cough (9%)

•Stuffy nose (9%)

•Upper stomach pain (9%)

•Lower appetite (8%)
Warnings of Trileptal vs. Keppra
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

•Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior

•Suicidal thoughts or behavior

•Difficulty with speech, movement, and concentration

•Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Withdrawal seizures

•Low blood cell counts

•Higher blood pressure in young children

•Seizure control during pregnancy
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Compare Trileptal vs. Keppra

Key takeaways

Summary of Trileptal vs. Keppra

Indications of Trileptal vs. Keppra

Pros and Cons of Trileptal vs. Keppra

Common Side Effects of Trileptal vs. Keppra

Warnings of Trileptal vs. Keppra

Prices with our coupons for Trileptal vs. Keppra

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