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.
