Various studies have suggested the potential effectiveness of Trileptal forbipolar disorderin controlling manic episodes.
It is taken alone or as part of a combination therapy.
Instead, healthcare providers prescribe it off-label.
Getty Images / PixelsEffect
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment.
You may need to take Trileptal for several weeks to see an improvement in the symptoms.
How Does Trileptal Work?
Trileptal works to block sodium channels and, to some extent, calcium channels in the brain.
It works as a mood stabilizer to control manic attacks associated with bipolar disorder.
Who Would Benefit From Taking It?
Compared with carbamazepine, it has less evidence to back up its use for bipolar disorder.
What Are Its Side Effects?
Trileptal is a generally safe medication.
However, like any other drug, it can cause side effects.
Common side effects of Trileptal may include:
These symptoms usually do not need medical attention.
Severe Side Effects
Trileptal can cause some severe side effects that need medical treatment.
It may causehyponatremia(a decrease in the bodys sodium level).
Some signs of low sodium include:
Trileptal may also cause allergic reactions.
You may or may not have a rash with these types of reactions.
Call for immediate help if you have any thoughts ofharming yourself.
Online, it’s possible for you to visit988Lifeline.orgfor its chat line.
Precautions
You may need to take precautions with Trileptal.
Let your healthcare provider know if you have liver or kidney disease because they may need to monitor you.
Sudden discontinuation can cause serious problems, includingstatus epilepticus(seizures that will not stop).
Treatment options may include medications and non-pharmacological management.
Trileptal may be a good option for those who have not responded well to other therapies.
However, it is important to note that stopping the medication abruptly can cause more adverse effects.
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is effective at controlling the mood-related symptoms of bipolar disorders.
The FDA has not approved Trileptal to treat them.
However, many healthcare providers prescribe Trileptal off-label as a mood stabilizer.
Trileptal can be safe and effective.
Always take it as prescribed.
Do not stop taking it without asking your healthcare provider if you’re able to.
2021;57(5):433. doi:10.3390/medicina57050433
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal).
DailyMed.Label: Trileptal- oxcarbazepine tablet, film-coated.
DailyMed.Label: Oxtellar XR- oxcarbazepine tablet.
Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry.
2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66.
