Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Trileptal vs. Zonegran

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

Key takeaways

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) and zonisamide (Zonegran) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat partial-onset seizures, but they have some key differences. Trileptal is available in both immediate-release and extended-release (Oxtellar XR) forms, and it can be used alone or with other seizure medications. The immediate-release form is suitable for children as young as 2 years old. On the other hand, zonisamide is typically used as an add-on treatment and is only approved for people aged 16 and older. Trileptal can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches, while zonisamide may lead to sleepiness, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Additionally, zonisamide carries a risk of serious allergic reactions in people with sulfa allergies (eg, Bactrim). Both medications can cause serious skin reactions and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, but zonisamide also has specific warnings about heat stroke and kidney problems. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics, with the exception of the brand-name oral suspension of zonisamide (Zonisade).

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Zonisamide (Zonegran)
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Zonisamide (Zonegran)
Summary of Trileptal vs. Zonegran
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
Zonisamide (Zonegran) is used along with other medications to help control partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy. It comes as an oral capsule that's available as a lower-cost generic. An oral suspension form of the medication is also available, but it's brand only and can be expensive.
Indications of Trileptal vs. Zonegran
Indications for

•Partial-onset seizures

Indications for

•Partial-onset seizures
Pros and Cons of Trileptal vs. Zonegran
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

•Capsules available as a lower-cost generic

•Can take once a day, so it's easier to remember to take

•Can take with or without food

•Can be a good add-on treatment to control seizures when other medications aren't working well enough

•Comes as an oral suspension, which is an option for those who have problems swallowing

Cons

•Can't be used by itself to control seizures

•Only approved for people ages 16 years and older

•Can take several weeks to get the full benefits of the medication

•Not safe to take if you have a sulfa allergy

•Might not be safe to take during pregnancy
Common Side Effects of Trileptal vs. Zonegran
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

•Sleepiness (17%)

•Dizziness (13%)

•Loss of appetite (13%)

•Headache (10%)

•Nausea (9%)

•Agitation or irritability (9%)

•Fatigue (8%)

•Tiredness (7%)

•Depression (6%)

•Problems with concentration or memory (6%)

•Stomach pain (6%)

•Double vision (seeing double; 6%)
Warnings of Trileptal vs. Zonegran
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

•Sulfa medication allergy

•Serious skin reactions

•Serious allergic reactions involving organs

•Reduced sweating and risk of heat stroke

•Serious eye problems

•Suicidal behavior

•Problems with mood or thinking

•Kidney problems

•Higher blood acid

•Withdrawal seizures

•Harm to unborn baby
Prices with our coupons for Trileptal vs. Zonegran
Learn more about Trileptal
Learn more about Zonisamide

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare Trileptal vs. Zonegran

Key takeaways

Summary of Trileptal vs. Zonegran

Indications of Trileptal vs. Zonegran

Pros and Cons of Trileptal vs. Zonegran

Common Side Effects of Trileptal vs. Zonegran

Warnings of Trileptal vs. Zonegran

Prices with our coupons for Trileptal vs. Zonegran

Compare other Epilepsy drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox