Generic Name: Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
For Bipolar Disorder "I was on Topamax, and my doctor added 300 mg of Trileptal twice a day to deal with anxiety issues caused by Topamax. I have experienced no weight gain and few side effects. There was an initial feeling of 'contentment' whenever I took it, but this wore off after a couple of weeks. Since adding Trileptal to the repertoire, I've experienced no manic symptoms but blessed, normal emotions. It's like the anxiety was cut away, and a real human being was exposed underneath. The emotions are loud and clear, but they aren't overpowering. No cycling. I'd say this was a real plus."
"I've been on many different mood stabilizers and antipsychotics since being diagnosed with bipolar 2 a decade ago. Seroquel and risperidone made me a fat zombie, Lamictal gave me SJS, Depakote made me a raging cow, Geodon gave me bad TD, Tegretol made me sleep all day... The list can go on and on. It got to the point that I was so fed up with all the terrible side effects from all these medications that I decided to try to go med-free for almost 2 years. I finally realized that I needed something, and my pdoc recommended Trileptal. It has been an absolute game-changer. The past few months, I've had several traumatic events happen that would usually push me over the edge, but I have been able to keep it together. I seriously feel like Trileptal is to thank for that. I take 450mg a day, and I have absolutely no side effects. I've even been able to lose weight since starting. I've been more stable than I've been in years on this drug. I highly recommend this to anyone with bipolar disorder."
For Bipolar Disorder "I am diagnosed with Bipolar, still unsure if my type is 1 or 2 because I experienced several bouts of significant impairment of function, depressions, and frequent severe hypomanic or mild manic episodes. Mixed episodes are my main presentation of bipolar disorder. I tried Lamotrigine and many antidepressants, all they did was fuel my mild delusional mania and at other times exacerbate mixed episodes. I was on carbamazepine and lithium, it was good, but I developed an allergic reaction to carbamazepine which fueled a month and a half of constant hypomanic mood. Doctor then put me on Trileptal. For the first time I am able to feel content without any explanation. It is a great medicine, you don't feel side effects and being content, that's a dream to me."
For Bipolar Disorder "Trileptal changed my life. After antipsychotics not being a good add-on to my Lithium and Lamictal because of heavy non-functional side effects/not tolerated. I searched so long and hard for something that might be able to help stabilize my mood (mostly mania). I have been taking Trileptal at a low dose of 600mg per day for 3 weeks, in addition to my current medication, and just in the first week my mood evened out, I felt normal or whatever normal probably feels like. I am now able to go into therapy and tackle some of my addiction/impulsive behavior that I did not have the capacity to do before when I was not in my right mind. I am so grateful for this medicine for my bipolar disorder."
For Bipolar Disorder "I have just begun Trileptal as a treatment for Bipolar I. I was previously on Seroquel 150 and was unable to function at all within 45 minutes of taking it. I experience rapid cycling and more manic episodes than depressive ones, so the Seroquel helped me sleep. However, I noticed weight gain almost immediately and immense hunger - almost ravenous. When it would wear off, I was extremely hostile and agitated. The side effects seemed to outweigh the benefits. So far Trileptal has left me with no side effects except for a slight headache, and I have smoothly transitioned out of my manic episode. I feel like I may need a sleep aid, however, still experiencing a bit of insomnia. I can only hope the success continues!"
For Anxiety "I'm sixty-eight years old and have dealt with anxiety/depression my whole life. There were some medicines over the years that helped, but for one reason or another, I had to stop taking them. But five years ago (July 17, 2007) I had an acute neurological episode that awoke me from sleep straight into a Carnival Midway atmosphere. Very disturbing, and my sleep was never restful from that day forward. Four different polysomnograms verified I was getting less than a third of normal REM sleep. Six months ago I discovered Ambien and was quite pleased, but I was recently to see a pain management doctor who understands the value of good sleep in dealing with chronic pain; his preference is Trileptal so I went on it. Never felt this relaxed and normal."
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I have MS and experienced a severe relapse and spent a week in the hospital with chronic face pain. After determining it was Trigeminal neuralgia, my neurologist and I spent several weeks trying numerous treatments. Trileptal was the only one that gave me not only immediate relief, but I haven't had any face pain for months now!"
For Bipolar Disorder "After years of trying to treat depression, I have finally found the perfect combination: 600mg of Trileptal and 200mg of Wellbutrin, twice a day. My doctor told me that when you're on the right medication, you will feel like you aren't on anything. That's the perfect way to describe how I feel. I have normal mood swings instead of wanting to rip someone's head off at the drop of a dime or being completely numb. I am diagnosed with Bipolar II. This medicine has changed my life, and I hope if Trileptal isn't the answer for your treatment, you will keep trying until you find the right medication. It is possible, and there is light on the other side."
For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Depakote, Lithium, and now Trileptal. Trileptal has given me absolutely no side effects, no weight gain, and it controls my mood. I was bumping into walls, throwing up, feeling like I was high, and eating everything in sight on Depakote. I gained so much weight. On Lithium, I did well, but couldn't deal with the gastrointestinal issues, as well as urinating every other hour, and being thirsty all the time. Nothing quenched my thirst. This medicine is like taking a vitamin, and it has stabilized my moods for almost 5 years now."
"Have tried and failed literally 10 other medications. I thought my options in the future were either ECT, experimenting with psychedelics, or suicide. Tried this as a Hail Mary with my therapist, and oh...my...god. Normalcy for the first time in 6 years. I was dealing with severe mood swings and anxiety (my OCD symptoms I think are from such a high general angst) that I was ready to give up. Within 5 days of this, I wasn't feeling much - therapist said give it a few more days and then up the dose if still nothing. I gave it a few more days and all of a sudden they just kept getting better. I can't say enough good things. It was like setting me back to the person I was before I got sick overnight. If you're thinking of trying this, please do. I have zero side effects thus far. I am making sure to drink a glass or two of salt water daily also as I'm a sweater and trying to offset the low sodium."
For Bipolar Disorder "I have taken this medicine for about six months now. It has been such a life changer for me! I was on Depakote as a mood stabilizer for my not terribly severe bipolar disorder. Depakote caused weight gain. Since I have been on Trileptal, I have lost 30 lbs and feel great. I am just about to start my student teaching in college and I am more confident than ever that I will succeed with flying colors."
For Bipolar Disorder "I actually use this medicine for my bipolar disorder. So far I have had no side effects and no problems with it. My mood has improved a great deal and I don't have anything to complain about. This medicine is a life-saver for me!"
For Seizures "I have been on Trileptal for about a month now. I'm taking 300 mg twice a day. I had an abnormal EEG and diagnosed with right-sided temporal lobe epilepsy. I started having pain 5 years ago - intense, daily pain in my right eye and eventually extended further up on the right side of my head (which is related to the epilepsy). I was also suffering from repeated inappropriate thoughts (of sexual nature) very disturbing and disrupted my life. I have since found out that OCD behavior very frequently accompanies temporal lobe epilepsy. Trileptal has stopped the partial seizures and inappropriate thoughts. Indocin 25 mg is controlling the pain. Hope this helps others."
For Seizures "I had my first seizure at the age of 20, I am healthy otherwise. I was diagnosed with a type of seizure caused by a small heterotopia and put on 600 mg of Trileptal twice daily. I was seizure-free for 15 years until 3 days ago. The only side effect was weight gain. I see my neurologist tomorrow and am anticipating an increase in dose. I would highly recommend this medicine to anyone doing research."
For Seizures "My son, of 7, has been on Trileptal for 2 weeks. Immediately, the most evident side effect was solemnness. A week into therapy, he was playing outside and complained of dizziness, weakness, and pain all over. Thanks to literature at Novartis site, it is very comprehensive, so I found out about Hyponatremia (sodium level becoming very low). A few drops of concentrated table salt solution in both ears immediately took care of the problem. As for seizures, he hadn't had any. But then, we only found out about his rare nocturnal seizures by coincidence. He did have night terrors twice a month before. We haven't had any of those yet."
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "Stopped the incapacitating seizures. Side effects are bothersome but not as awful as the seizures: Sugar-sweet taste of all food, fatigue, occasional nausea, memory issues, sight issues, balance problems."
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "This medicine has been a LIFESAVER for me, because quite frankly, facial nerve pain can drive a person over the edge. It can be very good for those suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia. I give this medicine an A. Thank you."
For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking Trileptal for bipolar disorder for years. I switched from Depakote as it made my hair fall out, and I hated the monthly blood tests. I take a large dose of Trileptal, 2100mg/day, and shortly after taking it, I may have some short-lived side effects (tingling in my face, mild double vision, and sleepiness) for about a half hour. My doctor says I might avoid these if I'd split it into morning and evening doses, but I have no doubt I'd forget the morning dose regularly. Trileptal has been very good to me! I still take a low dose birth control (Norethindrone 0.35mg/day) to help with 'monthly' ups and downs, and we've added Lamictal for its antidepressant effects (I found out antidepressants may increase cycling). I've never felt this 'Normal' before!"
For Seizures "This was the medication. I had epilepsy for 8 years, mainly during puberty years. I was on Trileptal once before the last time, but due to the low dosage, the medication was ineffective. I went to a new doctor, and he placed me back on Trileptal but increased the dosage of the pill, and that was the beginning of being 4 years seizure-free. Then, I was given the news after 5 years that I had officially outgrown my epilepsy."
For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Trileptal for a month now, combined with a small amount of Zoloft. I feel wonderful. I have taken other mood stabilizers in the past, and this by far is the best one for me. I am a lot calmer (not a zombie)."
For Seizures "I started taking Trileptal when Tegretol stopped working for me. I love this medication. I developed epilepsy following a head injury (diving accident) when I was 8 years old. I've had seizures (daytime absence, daytime partial, nocturnal grand mal) since then. Tegretol worked for me for years, then stopped working. Trileptal has been my only seizure medication for the past 11 years, and I couldn't be happier. I have to add salt to my diet, and I get very flushed whenever I exert myself, but being completely seizure-free is worth these small inconveniences."
"I take 150 mg at night. It makes me drowsy, along with a 0.5 mg alprazolam. I can finally get at least 5-6 hours of sleep at night. I did not know how ill my disorder was making me until I was on this medication, and the prescriber that I was seeing let me lapse because I missed my appointment for a refill. Within a couple of weeks, I wanted to put my jacket on and run away, thought about running into traffic, real manic, racing thoughts while feeling depressed. I never knew how sick I was for all of those years until I was on the Trileptal and felt what 'healthy' was like. Thankfully, I found a new doctor and I’m back on it and do not plan on stopping, ever!"
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I have been taking 1200mg daily for a number of years, and there are times when I'm pain-free and times when I'm not pain-free. Interestingly, enough, the pain is usually worse in the morning, and if I ignore it as best I can, it subsides. But, it often comes back later in the day and around bedtime."
For Bipolar Disorder "I took Trileptal over 2 years ago and had horrible side effects. Started at 1500 mg with no change in mood and with no side effects. Raised it to 2400 mg (max dosage) and was in a constant drunk/high haze all day. Twenty minutes after taking it, I couldn't walk in a straight line. My parents would spend an hour some mornings trying to get me to wake up. My managers wouldn't let me work because it was too noticeable I was 'high'. Trileptal seems to help a lot of people, so this isn't to discourage people from taking it."
For Bipolar Disorder "This medication was extremely effective at stabilizing my moods. The problems that I had made it so that I could not continue on it and therefore needed to rate it so low (because of the severe side effects). First off, I literally saw double for several hours after taking it. Do you remember the Wrigley's Double Mint gum commercials? Well, literally that's what I experienced. It DID go away after several hours afterward, but was really weird and gave me a headache when it happened every morning. My skin, especially my lips, would get numb and tingly. The biggest problem, though, was that it gave me constipation so bad that nothing I ate or took could alleviate it. The ONLY way I could EVER go is if I took a heavy (not mild) laxative."
Oxtellar XR
Oxtellar XR
