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What is Trileptal
 Trileptal
is a drug that affects the nerves and brain. It works by decreasing
impulses in nerves that cause seizures.
Trileptal
is used alone and with other drugs to treat seizures.
Trileptal
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Trileptal
Do not stop taking Trileptal without first talking
to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important
to continue taking Trileptal to prevent the seizures from
recurring. Stopping Trileptal suddenly may result in increased
seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be stopped,
your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
Trileptal may decrease the effectiveness of birth control
pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking
Trileptal to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Trileptal. Alcohol
may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by Trileptal.
Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.
Trileptal
may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor
coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery,
or perform other hazardous activities until you know how
Trileptal affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness,
blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
What you should find out before taking
Trileptal
Do not take Trileptal without first talking to your
doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to carbamazepine
(Tegretol, others). You may have an allergic reaction to
Trileptal.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease, or
-
liver disease.
You may not be able to take Trileptal,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Trileptal is in the FDA category C. This means
that it is not known whether Trileptal will be harmful to
an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment.
Trileptal passes into
breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not
take this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over
60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from Trileptal. Your doctor may prescribe a lower
dose or special monitoring during treatment.
How should take Trileptal Take Trileptal exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Trileptal can be
taken with or without food.
Shake the suspension
well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the
correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring
spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do
not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
It is important to take Trileptal
regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not stop taking
Trileptal without first talking to your doctor, even if
you feel better. It is important to continue taking Trileptal
to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping Trileptal
suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the
medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to
lower the dosage gradually.
If treatment with Trileptal
is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor before restarting
the medication. A lower dose may be needed to prevent side
effects from occurring.
Your doctor may want you
to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during
treatment with Trileptal to monitor progress and side effects.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let
others know that you are taking this medicine in the case
of an emergency.
Store Trileptal at room temperature
away from moisture and heat. The suspension should be used
within 7 weeks of first opening the bottle.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical treatment.
Symptoms
of an Trileptal overdose are not known.
Avoid while taking Trileptal Do not drink alcohol while taking Trileptal. Alcohol
may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by Trileptal.
Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.
Trileptal
may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor
coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery,
or perform other hazardous activities until you know how
Trileptal affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness,
blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of Trileptal If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, seek emergency medical attention or consult your
doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
tongue, or face; or hives);
- symptoms of low blood
sodium (nausea, general discomfort, headache, extreme drowsiness,
or confusion);
- central nervous system effects (difficulty
with concentration, speech, or language; excessive sleepiness
or fatigue; a loss of coordination or trouble walking);
- double vision, nystagmus (back-and-forth movements
of the eyes), blurred vision, or other visual disturbances;
or
- increasing frequency or worsening of seizures.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely
to occur. Continue to take Trileptal and talk to your doctor
if you experience
- headache;
- mild sleepiness
or fatigue;
- nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
- tremor;
- dizziness;
- rash;
-
diarrhea, constipation, or decreased appetite;
-
weight gain; or
- dry mouth.
Side effects
other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Trileptal Trileptal interacts with many of the other drugs
used to treat seizures. Before taking Trileptal, tell your
doctor about all other medications you are taking. You may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you are taking a combination of medications
to treat seizures. Continue to take all medications prescribed
to treat seizures exactly as directed.
Trileptal
may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use
a second method of birth control while taking Trileptal
to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
Trileptal
may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives
(used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines,
and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or
drowsiness may occur if Trileptal is taken with any of these
medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Trileptal
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products. |
