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OXCARBAZEPINE (ox car BAZ e peen) prevents and controls seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the bottle well before each use. The suspension comes with a special oral syringe that will allow you to carefully measure the dose needed. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. The dose may be mixed in a small glass of water before it is swallowed, or you can take the medication directly from the syringe. Be sure to take the entire dose. You can take this medication with or without food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Carbamazepine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid
-Certain medications for blood pressure, such as felodipine, diltiazem, verapamil
-Cyclosporine
-Estrogen and progestin hormones
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Your care team can help you find the contraceptive option that works for you.
People who become pregnant while using this medication may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic medication use during pregnancy.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
-Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
-Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
-Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-Seizures
-Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, or feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Difficulty with paying attention, memory, or speech
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness
-Double vision
-Headache
-Loss of balance or coordination
-Nausea
-Slow or sluggish movements of the body
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication 7 weeks after first opening the bottle or after it expires, whichever is first.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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