Any experience with the medication Trileptal?

Hello @sadeyes. If you don't mind me asking, is trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) something you have been suggested to take? I am not a medical professional, but when I looked up the drug, I found that its main use is anticonvulsant for epilepsy, but it can be used as a treatment for depression and bipolar as well. Although this conversation is centered around epilepsy and seizures, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-medicine/, it may give you some insight in to some members' experiences taking oxcarbazepine (trileptal).

I would like to invite @beckysn and @mrser52 to this conversation as they have both discussed using trileptal or an oxcarbazepine medication for a mental health diagnosis. @sadeyes, you have discussed taking other medications on Connect, is there something in particular about trileptal you are concerned about?

I was given trileptal (oxcarbazepine) as a mood stabilizer for bipolar. I have tried other medications but that one seems to work the best for me. A lot of the seizure meds are are also used for that purpose.

Yes, I started to feel like I am going towards the mixed/manic state AGAIN and my psychiatrist put me on Trileptal on Friday. I am concerned with EVERY drug I take because all of them seem to give me horrible side effects......if something can go wrong, it does. And I am scared. Plus, I am in such bad shape a lot of the warnings they tell you to watch I already have so I don't know when the med is making me worse until I am so far into it and end up TOTALLY messed up even worse. It's so complicated. My body hates all meds it seems (hence ECT treatment which was HORRIBLE and traumatizing). So complicated and scary. Just afraid.

Thank you.

Thank you. Glad it works for you. Have you been on it long term?

I have been on it 12 to 15 years, my usual dose has been 300mg but when stable a long time my dr let's me go to 150mg. I take it at night because these drugs can cause tiredness. Good luck, hope it works for you.

@marjou @amberpep @karen00 @catcatanzaro60 @healthytoday may either have some personal experience with the medication oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) or may be familiar with it and have some input on it's effectiveness and side effects. @gingerw also may have some thoughts.

@sadeyes - have you now started on the oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)? If so, how is it going so far?

@lisalucier Thank you for tagging me in to this conversation. I don't have any experience with this medication.
My comment to @sadeyes would be to write down the different medications you take, the different side effects you experience [time of day, severity] to be able to discuss these with your medical team. If more than one doctor is prescribing medications, everyone needs to be aware of the hesitation you have, and why you want to understand the differences. If two drugs are counter-acting each other, that would need to be fixed.
Good luck on traveling this journey to wellness both emotionally and physically. It is surely a challenge.
Ginger

Hello,
I can only speak through my son, but he takes it with no issues. Maybe a little weight gain. He is also very sensitive as well to medication & once a vaccination. He takes for seizures.
Jennifer

@sadeyes
Hello,
Have you asked your doctor if pharmacogenomic testing would be beneficial in assessing your risk of potential side effects?
Jake

Thanks for your time and advice. Good idea.