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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.

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Summary of Trileptal vs. Keppra
Summary for Antiepileptic
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.
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 (or focal aware 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

•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

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

•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
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 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

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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