Oxcarbazepine, known as the brand Trileptal, is mainly used to control certain types of seizures. The medication is classified as an anticonvulsant; it is not intended for weight loss. Although some side effects can lead to weight loss, this drug should not be used for that purpose because it is associated with numerous negative reactions.
Function
In addition to managing seizure disorders, oxcarbazepine can treat trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve disorder that causes severe facial pain. Some physicians also prescribe oxcarbazepine for treating bipolar disorder.
How It Works
Oxcarbazepine works by reducing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain. These electrical signals overstimulate the brain, which can cause seizures. Oxcarbazepine appears to prevent sodium from accumulating in overactive nerve cells, which stops the electrical signal from building up and transmitting to other nerve cells. This action by oxcarbazepine also prevents the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate, a substance that excites more nerve cells.
Digestive Side Effects
Digestive side effects connected with oxcarbazepine can lead to weight loss. This drug may cause diarrhea or constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain, changes in the way food tastes, lack of appetite and nausea. Nausea and vomiting are common with oxcarbazepine, occurring in more than 10 percent of patients, according to NetDoctor.
Considerations
Taking oxcarbazepine in an attempt to lose weight is inadvisable. The drug is associated with a large number of possible side effects, including many serious ones. These include liver problems, infections, unusual bleeding, changes in urination and severe allergic reactions, including dangerous skin rashes, reports MedlinePlus. Oxcarbazepine also causes birth defects. Taking birth control pills may not prevent pregnancy while using this medication because oxcarbazepine interferes with the pill's effectiveness. Oxcarbazepine interacts with numerous other medications, as well.
Mental Health Issues
Oxcarbazepine can have serious effects on mental health, warns MedlinePlus. About one in 500 adults and children taking oxcarbazepine for epilepsy or other conditions have become suicidal. This can happen as early as one week after beginning oxcarbazepine treatment. MedlinePlus says anyone taking this medication should seek medical attention if experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, agitation, aggressive or violent behavior, depression, mania, insomnia, a desire to withdraw from friends and family, suicidal thoughts, or any other unexplained mood changes.
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