Oxcarbazepine information sheet

Oxcarbazepine must be prescribed by a doctor. You should never give your child anyone else’s medications.  

Your doctor will check and make sure that other drugs your child is taking are compatible with Oxcarbazepine. This is also important if you are giving your child herbal or complementary medicines. The doctor can check to make sure they are compatible. 

Oxcarbazepine may alter the way the liver processes other medications, either increasing or decreasing their level. Some medications that may be affected include Phenytoin, Diazepam and the oral contraceptive pill. 

Monitoring and medication levels 

Some doctors may want to monitor the level of sodium in the blood and the full blood count of children taking Oxcarbazepine. 

• If your child vomits within 30 minutes after having their dose, then repeat the dose.
• If it is longer than 30 minutes since having the dose you do not need to repeat the dose, but if vomiting or diarrhoea continues, seek medical help.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered.
• The next due dose should be taken at the usual time.
• However, if the missed dose is remembered in close proximity to the next due dose (i.e. within 3 to 4 hours of the next dose), please seek medical advice.
• If unsure about what to do, the treating GP, epilepsy nurse, paediatrician or neurologist should be contacted.

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius
• Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.

Always follow the instructions of your doctor and pharmacist. 

Sourced from Healthdirect 

Below are some of the possible side effects your child may experience: 

Rash 

If your child develops a rash after starting Oxcarbazepine, look out for:  

• Red eyes,  

• Red mouth  

• Blisters around the mouth, nose and lips.  

If your child develops a rash or any of these signs you should contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department. The medication may need to be stopped immediately under medical supervision. 

Other possible side effects 

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain 

• Agitation 

• Dizziness 

• Sleepiness 

• Shaking 

• Headache 

• Dry mouth 

• Unsteadiness 

• Disturbed sleep 

• Problems concentrating 

Seizure exacerbation 

Oxcarbazepine may make some types of seizures (absence or myoclonic seizures) worse. Contact your doctor if you think your child’s seizures have worsened after starting Oxcarbazepine. 

Pregnancy and contraception 

• The oral contraceptive pill may not work properly in people taking Oxcarbazepine. 

• There is very limited data on the safety of Oxcarbazepine during pregnancy at the present time. 

• If a pregnancy is planned, a discussion with your neurologist is recommended. For further information, refer to the reproductive health section.

The information provided in this resource is limited and does not replace the need for a medical consultation. It is very important you speak to your doctor about all aspects of your medication including side effects when medication is first prescribed. Report any concerns to your doctor promptly.