The drug "Trileptal": reviews, instructions for use

One of the most effective anticonvulsants in recent years has become Trileptal. Reviews of him mark its better tolerability compared with the previously widespread "Finlepsin". This is due to the peculiarities of the action of this new tool - it stabilizes the work of neurons, preventing their overexcitation and normalizing the passage of nerve impulses to the muscles. This drug is manufactured in Switzerland using modern techniques. Therefore, it is more effective than other means. Its advantages also include the fact that it is better tolerated, and take it as long as possible. Most patients noticed complete relief of epileptic seizures after a year of therapy with Trileptal.

Characteristics of the preparation

"Trileptal" is a drug whose main active ingredient is oxcarbazepine. It is produced in the form of tablets or a suspension, which is also called syrup because of its sweet taste. It is in this form it is better to give "Trileptal" to children. Feedback from patients and doctors suggests that it is easier to follow the correct dosage when it is used. After all, one tablet contains between 300 and 600 mg of oxcarbazepine, which is a dose for adults. In addition, the suspension has a sweet taste and a pleasant fruity aroma.

How the drug works

Only in one case - with epilepsy - recommends taking Trileptal instructions for use. The reviews mark its high effectiveness in comparison with other antiepileptic drugs. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the blockade of sodium channels. This leads to a normalization of impulses and stabilization of neurons. In addition, oxcarbazepine leads to a small activation of calcium channels. A feature of this drug is that it does not affect the brain neurons.

The maximum concentration of the main active substance Trileptal in blood plasma is observed after 4-6 hours. And during the day it is excreted from the body, mainly through the kidneys. Therefore, it is very important to take the medication regularly to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Indications for use

In epilepsy, adults and children are often prescribed Trileptal. The doctors' comments mark its higher effectiveness and good tolerability in comparison with other similar means. The drug is used for both monotherapy and with other medicines. Assign it to any form of epilepsy and in the presence of Jackson's seizures. Effective "Trileptal" with partial epileptic attacks, as well as with generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

In addition to preventing and alleviating convulsive seizures, another indication for the use of Trileptal is neuralgia. The doctors' comments point out that in this case it is more effective than the previously used medications. In addition, the drug normalizes the mental state of the patient. It eliminates mood swings and prevents the development of depression.

Trileptal: instructions for use

The doctors' comments on the drug mark the need for its exact dosage. It is recommended to take no more than 10 mg per kilogram of weight per day. For adults, this is an average of 2 tablets. That's why children need to give "Trileptal" syrup. The instruction recommends to shake the bottle before use and immediately measure the required amount of the drug with a special syringe. For young children, it is advisable not to increase the dose. You can take the suspension immediately from the syringe or dilute it with water. The open vial can be stored for no more than 2 months.

Take "Trileptal" 2 times a day. It can be consumed regardless of the meal, but it is desirable every day at the same time, at regular intervals. The initial dosage for adults is often half the tablet twice a day. In the future it is permissible to gradually increase the dose to 1-2 tablets per reception. But with complex therapy it is necessary to adjust the dosage of another drug.

To whom the drug is contraindicated

This remedy is prescribed for children from 1 month. But up to 3 years only "Trileptal" suspension is used. The instruction notes good tolerability and high efficiency in cases when other drugs did not help. But not all patients with epilepsy can take Trileptal. Contraindicated in the treatment of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It has already been proven that oxcarbazepine causes severe malformations in infants in this case.

Caution should be taken to receive "Trileptal" for people with severe impairment of liver and kidney function. Do not prescribe the drug also to patients with an individual intolerance to this substance. Therefore, when allergic reactions occur, you must stop taking Trileptal. Analogues in this case should help to choose a doctor.

Use in children

It is especially important to give "Trileptal" to children correctly. The reviews indicate a good tolerability of the agent with the correct dosage. It is recommended to start with 8 mg of the drug per kilogram of the child's weight per day. Gradually, the dosage of "Trileptal" can be increased, bringing to 30 mg per kilogram. But when it is used together with other antiepileptic drugs this dose is recommended to be achieved no earlier than 2 weeks later.

It turns out that children are given in a higher dosage than the adult Trileptal. Parents' comments point out that not everyone understands why this happens. In fact, the concentration of active substances of the drug gradually increases with age. Therefore, to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, children need an increased dose. This is due to the peculiarities of liver and kidney functioning in children.

Features of the use of the drug in the elderly

Correction of the dose of "Trileptal" may be required for patients older than 65 years. At this age, kidney function is often impaired. Therefore, with the reception of "Trileptal", a sharp decrease in sodium in the blood is possible. These patients require strict medical supervision with regular testing of sodium levels. Therefore, combined therapy is rarely used to avoid overdose and side effects. But basically "Trileptal" is well tolerated and, when properly applied, greatly facilitates the patient's condition at any age. In addition to cramping seizures, it can reduce headaches that result from vascular spasms, prevent blood clots, improve performance, relieve stress and increase mental performance.

"Trileptal" in pregnancy

Oxcarbazepine rapidly penetrates the placental barrier, so it is contraindicated for women who carry a child. The drug can cause severe congenital malformations of the child, often incompatible with life. Perhaps the development of the wolf's mouth, hare's lips. This may be due not only to the negative effects of oxcarbazepine. "Trileptal" causes a decrease in the level of folic acid, which is already so small during pregnancy - this can cause deformities.

Therefore, a woman should be warned about the possible consequences of taking the drug before conception and during the bearing of the child. And it is important in the treatment of "Trileptal" to use to prevent pregnancy, not birth control pills, the effectiveness of which is greatly reduced under its influence, and other methods.

Side effects of the drug

In addition to allergic reactions in which withdrawal is necessary, about 10% of patients experience other negative effects from treatment. What causes "Trileptal" side effects? Reviews note that most often there are such undesirable effects:

• Dizziness, double vision, nystagmus, blurred vision;
• Weakness, fatigue, drowsiness;
• headache;
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, impaired bowel function;
• Apathy, depression, mood worsening;
• Forgetfulness, reduced concentration of attention;
• Rash, the appearance of pimples on the skin, hair loss.

Drug Interactions

This serious drug can be taken only strictly according to the instructions after the appointment of a doctor. It is very important to accurately observe the dosage and do not interrupt treatment. The same applies to the use of other medications for patients who take Trileptal. The instruction pays much attention to this, since with the joint admission with certain drugs, oxcarbazepine can change its or their action.

• It is not recommended to use oral contraceptives for patients taking Trileptal. Reviews show that this drug reduces the effectiveness of funds based on ethinyl estradiol or levonorgestrel. Therefore, during the treatment it is recommended to use other methods of contraception.
• With the simultaneous administration of "Trileptal" with drugs based on phenobarbital, phenytoin or carbamazepine, its digestibility decreases. Therefore, in this case, you need to adjust the dosage of the medicine so that its effectiveness does not deteriorate.
• Such drugs as "Felodipine" or "Verapramil", as well as their analogues, can also worsen the digestibility of "Trileptal".
• This drug greatly strengthens the sedative effect of alcoholic beverages and preparations on an alcohol basis.

Possible overdose of the drug

In recommended therapeutic doses, Trileptal is considered safe. Reviews note that cases of overdose are very rare. For this you need to drink many tablets at once. But a total overdose of antiepileptic drugs is possible with complex therapy and reception of "Trileptal" in the maximum possible dose. What can happen in this case?

• Violated water-electrolyte balance, which is expressed in a lack of sodium salts.
• The organ of sight suffers: there is a double vision in the eyes, indistinctness, nystagmus.
• The work of the digestive system is disrupted, the patient feels nauseous, there may be vomiting.
• Often there is weakness, fatigue, sleep disorders, dizziness, lower blood pressure.
• Possible confusion, disruption of coordination of movement, the appearance of aggressiveness and irritability.
• In the most severe cases, there is a malfunction of the respiratory system, convulsions, loss of consciousness and even coma.

If an overdose of the drug occurs, it is necessary to rinse the stomach. Adsorbents, for example activated carbon, are also assigned. To prevent this, it is necessary to study the instruction before applying Trileptal.

Analogs of this tool

There are not many medications containing the same active substance as Trileptal. Actually, it's only "Oxcarbazepine".

Therefore, other antiepileptic drugs are considered analogues of the drug "Trileptal":

• Finlepsin.
• Tegretol.
• "Gabapentin".
• Carbamazepine.
• "Phenytoin."
• Valproat.

Reviews about the drug

"Trileptal" is considered one of the best anticonvulsants. Patients with epilepsy are very difficult to choose effective treatment. And usually it starts with other drugs. Only in the event that nothing helps, go to "Trileptal." The doctors' comments on this remedy are mostly positive. They note the high efficacy and good tolerability of the drug. Only he is good at generalized cramps with loss of consciousness. That's why they apply it so often.

In addition, many patients also note that after the transition to "Trileptal" began to feel better. Compared with other antiepileptic drugs, it is more effective and tolerated better, causing fewer side effects. People write that they have finally had headaches and nocturnal seizures. And of the negative effects of the drug is most often marked by drowsiness. In addition, many patients note its high cost - about one and a half thousand for 50 tablets of 600 mg.

Another area of successful use of the drug Trileptal is the trigeminal nerve. Comments on the treatment of his neuralgia are noted that often only he manages to quickly cope with the pain. As well as with other symptoms of this disease.

Also with success is used in young children "Trileptal". Parents' reviews most often contain a description of how well the child began to feel after the start of treatment. The drug helps to cope with night attacks and normalize the mood. Even long-term therapy usually does not cause anything more serious than drowsiness.