Key takeaways
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and dosing schedules. Trileptal is primarily used to treat partial-onset seizures and can be taken once or twice daily, while gabapentin is used as an add-on treatment for partial seizures and to treat nerve pain from shingles, typically taken three times daily. Trileptal is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms (Oxtellar XR), whereas gabapentin is available in immediate-release form, with extended-release versions (Gralise, Horizant) for specific conditions. Common side effects of Trileptal include dizziness, nausea, and headaches, while gabapentin often causes dizziness, poor muscle control, and sleepiness. Both medications can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, and neither should be stopped suddenly without consulting your healthcare professional. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures and sleeping problems.
