Eslicarbazepine
Information about Eslicarbazepine
Eslicarbazepine uses
Eslicarbazepine is used in the treatment of epilepsy/seizures.
How eslicarbazepine works
Eslicarbazepine is an anti epileptic medication. It works by blocking the voltage gated sodium channels that stabilizes the hyperexcited nerve cells in the brain. In this way, it treats seizures or fits.
Common side effects of eslicarbazepine
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Nausea, Headache, Vomiting, Fatigue, Diarrhea, Vertigo, Decreased sodium level in blood, Dizziness, Rash, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Itching, Decreased level of thyroid hormones, Psychotic disorder, Nosebleeds, General discomfort, Muscle pain, Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, Low blood platelets, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Pancreatic inflammation, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Available Medicine for Eslicarbazepine
Expert advice for Eslicarbazepine
- Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
- Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
- Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
- It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- It may cause a reduction in blood sodium level (hyponatremia). Your doctor may monitor your blood sodium level regularly.
- Inform your doctor if you notice skin reaction such as rash, skin peeling, and itching while using this medicine.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Frequently asked questions for Eslicarbazepine
Eslicarbazepine
Q. Can I stop taking if I start feeling better?
No, stopping Eslicarbazepine suddenly can increase your risk of having more seizures. Your doctor will advise you on how long you should take this medicine. If your doctor decides to stop Eslicarbazepine, your dose will usually be reduced gradually. It is important that you complete your treatment as advised by your doctor or your symptoms may get worse.
Q. Can Eslicarbazepine cause suicidal thoughts?
Like all other anti-epileptic medicines, Eslicarbazepine may also cause suicidal thoughts. However, this occurs only in a small number of people.
Q. Can Eslicarbazepine be taken if I have kidney-related problems?
Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any kidney-related problems. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function (creatinine clearance) regularly and may adjust your dose of Eslicarbazepine accordingly.