How long does it take for Trileptal to work?
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is a medication used to treat partial-onset seizures. It is taken twice a day and is used on its own and with other anti-epileptic medications to help reduce the frequency of seizures.
Because Trileptal works to stop seizures it may take days, weeks or even months to see if Trileptal is working for you to reduce the frequency of your seizures. The length of time patients were treated with Trileptal in clinical studies varied from days to almost 6 months.
When patients first start on Trileptal they are only given a low dose. The dose is then increased each week for about 2-4 weeks until the recommended daily maintenance dose of the drug is reached. Within 2-3 days of starting a daily maintenance dose of Trileptal, the level of MHD (10-monohydroxy metabolite) - the active part of the drug - will reach a consistent level in your body if you continue to take it as prescribed.
Trileptal may also be used ‘off-label’ as a mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder. This condition also requires long-term treatment and patients may need to take Trileptal for several weeks to see obvious signs that their symptoms are improving and Trileptal is working for them.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Trileptal Product Label. [Accessed October 12, 2022]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021014s043lbl.pdf.
- National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). Oxcarbazepine. June 2019. [Accessed October 12, 2022]. Available from: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Oxcarbazepine.
Read next
How long does Trileptal withdrawal last?
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat partial-onset seizures. It is also used off-label as a mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Withdrawal from Trileptal may take weeks or months and should be done following the advice of your healthcare provider. Continue reading
Does Trileptal cause weight gain?
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) can cause weight gain in adults and children, according to the results of clinical trials. Other side effects of Trileptal include increased appetite, leg edema (swelling) and digestive changes such as constipation, which can all increase body weight. Continue reading
Is Oxtellar XR the same as Trileptal?
Oxtellar XR and Trileptal are two prescription medications that both contain the same active ingredient called oxcarbazepine. Both medications are taken by mouth and used in the treatment of partial-onset seizures, but they are made by different companies and come in different forms. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Trileptal Information for Consumers
- Trileptal prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Trileptal (detailed)
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