Trileptal for Bipolar (Oxcarbazepine)

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Trileptal for Bipolar (Oxcarbazepine)

by Sarah from Bipolar-Lives
(FL, US)

US BRAND NAME: Trileptal

GENERIC NAME: Oxcarbazepine

TYPE: Anticonvulsant

USE: Another anticonvulsant originaly developed to treat epilepsy, Trilepal is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

COMMENTS: Similar to Tegretol but fewer effects. Dr Jim Phelps suggests Trilepal may be a good choice for patients whose symptoms are relatively mild, allowing them to risk a possibly weaker medication. It does have significant anti-manic properties though and so is a good alternative to Depakote, especially form women. The fewer side effects and low long-term risk make it an appealing option to some.

EVIDENCE: Most studies show Trilepal to be about as good as Tegretol (on which is was based) which is about as good as Depakote.

SIDE EFFECTS: Include but not limited to: Dizziness, sleepiness, double vision, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, ataxia (a movement disorder where cordination is impaired), abnormal vision, abdominal pain, tremor, upset tummy, abnormal gait.

CAUTIONS: Can disturb sodium levels or cause an unpleassant or even deadly rash.

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Trileptal for Bipolar (Oxcarbazepine)

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Mar 18, 2011
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Trileptal
by: Anonymous

Been on in several years-has worked a miracle for me as this is the most stable I have ever been! Was diagnosed with bipolar in 1994 and have been through the wringer-but thanks to a good shrink and trileptal am living a normal life! I get really manic so I think that is why it works for me!

Dec 24, 2010
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Drug Company Sued for Trileptal Use in Bipolar Disorder
by: Anonymous

Drug maker Novartis will pay the state of New Hampshire $489000 because it promoted its anti-epileptic drug, Trileptal, for unapproved uses such as treatment of bipolar disorder.

Oct 05, 2010
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Trileptal for Off Label Bipolar Leads to Lawsuit
by: Anonymous

Novartis (a large pharmaceutical company) has pled guilty to the off-label marketing and bribing of doctors to prescribe Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) for off-label (Non FDA approved) uses such as treatment of bipolar disorder. Novartis will fork out nearly half a billion dollars to settle a whistleblower lawsuit and federal charges. The Dept of Justice (DOJ) accused the company of promoting Trileptal for the treatment of neuropathic pain and bipolar disease; neither of which is an approved use by FDA. Your doctor is entitled to prescribe medication to treat any ailment they feel is appropriate but it is illegal for companies like Novartis to create marketing materials that promote meds for uses not FDA approved.

Oct 05, 2010
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Trileptal for Bipolar Works for Me
by: Sarah from Bipolar Lives

On a break from lithium and taking Trileptal with very good results so far. I think one reason it works so well for me (and may for other women with acute PMS) is that it speeds up the metabolism. I have excess estrogen so the Trileptal works on a couple of fronts. No side effect problems but I started with a very low dose and built up very slowly.

Aug 05, 2010
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Is Trileptal simply Tegretol without the Toxicity?
by: Sarah from Bipolar-Lives

Another one I have not personally tried and so cannot say much. However, I am going to discuss it on my next visit to my pdoc and will probably try it. If you have experience with Trileptal, NOW would be a good time to let me know about it :)

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Trileptal for Bipolar (Oxcarbazepine)

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Trileptal for Bipolar (Oxcarbazepine)