Eslicarbazepine

Generic name: eslicarbazepine [ ES-li-kar-BAZ-e-peen ]
Brand name: Aptiom
Dosage form: oral tablet (200 mg; 400 mg; 600 mg; 800 mg)
Drug class:Dibenzazepine anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 1, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is eslicarbazepine?

Eslicarbazepine is an anticonvulsant. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain.

Eslicarbazepine is used alone or with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Eslicarbazepine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of a serious drug reaction:skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, unusual bruising or bleeding, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low sodium levels in your body such as nausea, confusion, severe weakness, muscle pain, or increased seizures.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Do not stop using eslicarbazepine suddenly.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use eslicarbazepine if you are allergic to eslicarbazepine or oxcarbazepine.

To make sure eslicarbazepine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• a blood cell disorder; or

• mood problems or suicidal thoughts.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking an anticonvulsant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are taking eslicarbazepine. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Do not start or stop taking eslicarbazepine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking eslicarbazepine for seizures.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of eslicarbazepine on the baby.

Eslicarbazepine can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm<...