Oxcarbazepine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• yom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "At 300 mg of oxcarbazepine daily, my racing thoughts from bipolar have calmed down, and I feel normal for the first time in my life. My anxiety is gone or nearly so. I have BP2 and panic attacks. I also take Ativan, although it seems that I need less of it with oxcarbazepine. I feel a little sedated, but hope this goes away in the coming weeks. This is the first medicine that has helped at all. I am surprised and thankful."

• Gan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2020

For Anxiety "I have been on this medication, oxcarbazepine, for about 4-5 months. I was better maybe 1-2.5 weeks, and then suddenly I got worse. My therapist upped my dose, and I have continually gotten worse. I’ve only now realized that it is because of this medication. I have tremors, sleep problems, agitation, obsessive thoughts, my mind races, mood swings, the list goes on and on. I’m hoping to get taken off of this and that it is a smooth transition."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 17, 2021

For Anxiety "Oxcarbazepine made my anxiety go away. I was a mess of rumination, severe worrying, couldn’t sleep, worrying about the future, and had thoughts of suicide daily because I was so depressed. My doctor prescribed this, but I was skeptical. Now I take 300 mg once daily at night. It has changed my life. I will never stop taking it if I don’t have to. I’ve been on it for 2 years, and all those symptoms are gone! It never made me feel sick, just sleepy, so I take it at night. I wish I had gotten help sooner. I didn’t do myself any favors as I went on YouTube watching people get sick from taking it, so I was scared to try it. None of that happened to me. Within about a week, I was feeling better. Note, I also take 10 mg of Lexapro daily. I split it in half and take 5 mg in the morning and the other 5 in the evening. I started taking Lexapro first, but nothing really happened to help. Once I started the oxcarbazepine, that’s when things changed for the better."

• Pen...
• April 27, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on many different medications for my bipolar for the last 8 years, and have been on Trileptal for 9 months. This is the best mood stabilizer I have ever been on. With this in my treatment regimen, along with some other good meds (Celexa, Prolixin), I am the most stable I have been in my life. It also has minimal side effects. It has a nice calming effect without being sedating or causing cognitive impairment, and it doesn't increase appetite for me like so many similar meds do. I started on 300 mg twice a day and about two months ago had to be increased to 600 mg twice a day. I did experience about a week or so of dizziness when first starting this medicine and when increasing the dose, however, no side effects now."

• ASJ...
• January 10, 2013

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) 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."

• sar...
• October 2, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Incredible stuff. I have severe panic disorder and bipolar disorder. Before I took it, I was getting worse and worse, hallucinating and not being able to chill out. I started on 600mg once a day. I clearly remember when I started it. It felt like I was surrounded by pillows when I moved around, in a good way. I feel 'normal' now (no pillows, I promise!). I had a crazy rash that caused me to need prednisone, but I'm on Lamictal/Lexapro/Trileptal, so who knows what caused it! I'm at 600mg/3x a day, so 1800 total. I have to take it at 8am / 1pm / 8pm on the dot or I feel like I'm losing it again. I wish there was something that would cover the entire day, but it's worth the trouble."

• Pan...
• October 1, 2010

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) 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."

• Pal...
• October 27, 2019

For Anxiety "I have RRMS. In April, I had another brain MRI. The results indicated a new brain lesion on my brain. Two EEGs were also administered. My neurologist stated I was not experiencing vertigo, but possibly having seizures, convulsions, or fainting spells. I was placed on oxcarbazepine, 300x2 a day. I am now experiencing extreme anxiety. My neurologist first thought the anxiety stemmed from the steroids and it would go away. It hasn't, and it has only gotten worse. He now states it is my MS. I am using cannabis for the anxiety. Sometimes it helps, and other times it does not. The neurologist prescribed a low dosage (2 mg) of Valium. I've taken it on and off, yet sometimes it is not effective. I am concerned about addiction to Valium. I am forgetting things. I have tingling, numbness, and feeling hot inside my body. I went from being a very independent, active person to doing very little. Is anyone else experiencing extreme anxiety due to oxcarbazepine?"

• gir...
• November 21, 2017

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) 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."

• cru...
• February 15, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "This medication saved my life. Before, I was crying nonstop and having extreme fits of rage, and woke up every day wanting to die. Now that I've had it in my system for about 3 weeks, I don't feel perfect obviously, but I feel much more evened out. I'm not euphoric, but I'm not severely depressed either, and they don't switch from one extreme to another like they used to. For a long time, I could barely sleep, and now I can finally sleep through the night. I'm much more rational, and I feel that it's much easier to go about daily life, and now I'm finally working on repairing my relationships with people. Great drug."

• mtn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2012

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) 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."

• Est...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2021

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I was diagnosed with TN in January. Started out on a very low dose and frequency. Doctor gradually increased because it wasn't working. I was about to give up, but finally am taking a total of 900 mg/day and it's working! I was about to schedule a Gamma Knife procedure before it kicked in. I do get very sleepy in the daytime and am tired, but probably tired from the pain that wore me out!!!! Hang in there if you are just starting on this med."

• Gla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2013

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I was taking Tegretol for about 2 years and it suddenly stopped working. The pain was insane and uncontrollable. My neurologist prescribed Oxtellar XR, but it was too expensive so he gave me samples of Trileptal and it worked extremely well. He then prescribed oxcarbazepine which was less expensive. It is a lifesaver. I'm probably taking too high of a dose but it's out of paranoia of the pain. I'm looking into having surgery in case the medications stop working."

• hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 19, 2017

For Anxiety "My son's in his late teens and has anxiety and A.D.D. He had also gone through episodes of depression. Other prescription drugs left him zombie-like. Oxcarbazepine has been a miracle drug for him. It took about 2 months to get to the right dosage. Please keep in mind everyone is different. He was only allowed to move the dosage up once a week, then every 3 days after a few weeks. Yes, he felt tired for 1-2 months, but after a few months, he says it's life-changing, and we haven't seen him this happy in years. He's been taking it for almost a year now with no problems. He takes 200mg caffeine for his ADD, and it calms him down, so he's doing great in college."

• Mir...
• October 31, 2011

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) 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!"

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2016

Oxtellar XR (oxcarbazepine) for Bipolar Disorder "This is a cleaner way of taking Trileptal, it really does make both medication management and the side effects easier to manage. On generic Trileptal, I needed to medicate twice daily, and the morning dose really put me in a fog, not to mention how intense the headaches could get about 30 minutes after my 3x evening dose. Now the headaches still come but are far less intense, and the onset is hours later. Also, the lethargy factor is greatly reduced. I take 900 mg at 6 PM, and I'm ready for bed at 10:30, not focused on getting to my pillow all night like I was previously. This medication does interfere with my ability to urinate within 2 hours of taking it. As for the positives, I'm a rapid cycler, and days are most certainly more stable. Give it time."

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I am BP2 and have been on so many drug combinations for the disorder. I gained about 30 lbs on the Depakote/Zoloft combo. The absolute worst is when I was put on Topamax. Anyway, I was recently moved to Trileptal. I thought to myself, here we go again. The first week sucked because I had a never-ending headache and nausea. The second week, I debated going off the drug because I was seriously sick and tired of feeling sick. But, I decided that I would try something different by eating small meals every couple of hours, and that ended the nausea right away. The headache went away about midway through that week. This has been the absolute best I have felt in years!!!! I am so happy not to be hungry all the time like I was on the Depakote. I am hoping that my hair starts growing back because on the Depakote half of it fell out. My quality of life has really improved. My moods are stable, and I feel great and want to go to work every day!"

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2008

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) 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)."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Trileptal has changed my life for the better. The only reason I give it a 9 is because it's been a bit sedating for me. But because it works so well, I've continued to take it. In fact, Trileptal is the only reason I am able to physically leave this review... otherwise I am emotionless and numb. I am happier overall and able to appreciate life since starting Trileptal. I wish the best for anyone willing to give Trileptal a shot. ~ Lisa"

• Yuk...
• December 27, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Triliptal for a few years, and it helps a lot. Did see that it has a pain-relieving effect, big time. It decreases anxiety, helps with sleep, mellows me out, and at times I can't feel my legs, which is amusing since I realize this med has a big effect on decreasing nerve pain, muscle pain... any pain? So, now onto the side effects: low sodium, decreased heart rate (for me anyway). I also can't remember things, and when I read -- well, that doesn't work out too well, but I try. I can't remember what I read. I space out a lot. I also don't feel like eating. I used to take Tegretol, and that was awful, so I am pleased with this med. I take 1200 mg per day. It is hard with the 600 mg in the morning (I want to sleep)."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 16, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "I tried several different drugs for the neuropathy pain in my feet. The pain was so bad I couldn’t sleep, walk, or even just sit on the couch with my feet up without major pain meds. Oxcarbazepine is the only drug that made it get better and took away the excruciating pain. I’m so thankful for it. Truly amazing!"

• Bip...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 11, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium put me in the hospital for a month. I was on a respiratory tube for 10 days and in a coma for 2. It really worked before this stay. I was also in renal for 10 days. Once I was released, my doc tried Trileptal with an anti-anxiety med, and I have been episode-free for almost 3 years. Lithium is great, but have your blood levels checked VERY frequently. If you're having trouble with other meds, please consider giving this a try. I feel like a different person!"

• Hap...
• September 29, 2011

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "This has helped me tremendously. No face pain at all having Trigeminal Disorder. The pain can make you crazy. No pain pills helped at all. Take 450 mg every night and go right to sleep. Slept in a chair for 6 weeks keeping my head up and not being able to lay down in my bed to sleep. Cried every night with pain. Feel a little drowsy, fatigued and weakness some days but I'd rather deal with that instead of the pain. It's been two months now and I feel so much better. Good luck to all."

• ale...
• July 14, 2019

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I loved Trileptal. It was my ride or die. My irritability, stubbornness/nitpicking, and anger were reduced to almost 0; my interpersonal relationships became healthier and I was overall not a pessimistic, moody, grouchy, insufferable Grinch anymore. No other medication had ever done that; I've always suffered terribly from my own irrational anger and anxiety. The only downside was not being able to enjoy a drink while out with friends, but I only socially drink, and even that's rare. It made me extremely sleepy (I took that as a good sign; that's what made me mellow out), so I suggest anyone else take it at night right before bed, and it'll probably even help you sleep. The only-and I mean only-reason I went off was because the form of birth control I wanted to get (Nexplanon implant) interferes with oxcarbazepine and other anticonvulsants. Definitely recommend for others, though."

• Xbo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 29, 2012

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) 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."