Eslicarbazepine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 29, 2024.

Applies to eslicarbazepine: oral tablet.

Common side effects of eslicarbazepine

Some side effects of eslicarbazepine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• double vision
• sensation of spinning or constant movement
• sleepiness

Less common side effects

• changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
• heartburn
• indigestion
• loss of interest or pleasure
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• tingling of the hands or feet
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• trouble concentrating
• unusual weight gain or loss

Serious side effects of eslicarbazepine

Along with its needed effects, eslicarbazepine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking eslicarbazepine:

Less common side effects

• chills
• confusion
• decreased urine output
• dizziness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever
• increased in seizure frequency or severity
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea
• severe thirst
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloating of the abdomen or stomach
• changes in behavior
• discouragement
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• feeling sad or empty
• hives, rash, or itching skin
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rapid, shallow breathing
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• stomach pain
• thoughts or attempts at killing oneself
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

• agitation
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• cough
• hoarseness
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• fainting spells
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• high fever
• hostility
• irregular heartbeat
• irritability
• loss of consciousness
• lower back or side pain
• muscle twitching
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• rapid weight gain
• severe sleepiness
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to eslicarbazepine: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported adverse events have included dizziness, somnolence, nausea, headache, diplopia, vomiting, fatigue, vertigo, ataxia, blurred vision, and tremor.

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Alopecia, dry skin, hyperhidrosis, erythema, skin disorder, pruritus
• Frequency not reported: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), nail disorder^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia
• Frequency not reported: Decreased hematocrit, decreased hemoglobin
• Postmarketing reports: Agranulocytosis, megoblastic anemia, pancytopenia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 28%), somnolence (up to 18%), headache (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vertigo, ataxia, balance disorder, tremor, dysarthria, memory impairment
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Coordination abnormal, memory impairment, amnesia, hypersomnia, sedation, aphasia, dysesthesia, dystonia, lethargy, parosmia, cerebellar syndrome, convulsion, peripheral neuropathy, nystagmus, speech disorder, dysarthria, burning sensation, paresthesia, migraine^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyponatremia, decreased appetite
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hypochloremia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, insomnia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Apathy, depression, nervousness, agitation, irritability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, confusional state, mood swings, crying, psychomotor retardation, psychotic disorder^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Diplopia (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, visual impairment
• Frequency not reported: Oscillopsia, binocular eye movement disorder, ocular hyperemia, saccadic eye movement, eye pain^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Palpitations, bradycardia, tachycardia, hypotension, peripheral edema, PR interval prolongation^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Liver disorder
• Frequency not reported: Increased transaminases^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 16%), vomiting (up to 10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastritis, dyspepsia, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort, abdominal distension, gingivitis, melena, toothache
• Frequency not reported: Duodenitis, epigastric discomfort, irritable bowel syndrome, odynophagia, stomatitis, increased appetite, decreased appetite, and ageusia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Falls, asthenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myalgia, bone metabolism disorder, muscular weakness, pain in extremity, back pain, neck pain^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis, chest pain
• Frequency not reported: Dysphonia^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypothyroidism^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, asthenia, gait disturbance, peripheral edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Malaise, chills^[Ref]

Further information

Eslicarbazepine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer