Where is Eslicarbazepine Acetate used?
Eslicarbazepine Acetate is used to treat partial-onset seizures. It is specifically used in patients 4 years of age and older. Partial-onset seizures are also known as focal seizures. For children, less than 4 years of age is not yet known if this is safe and effective.
Eslicarbazepine Acetate is a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker. This is activated to Eslicarbazepine (S-licarbazepine) which is the major active metabolite of oxcarbazepine. This medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How does Eslicarbazepine Acetate work?
The nerves and brain are made up of various nerve cells that connect over electrical signals. These signals should be cautiously controlled for the nerves and brain to work well. When repetitive and abnormally rapid electrical signals are released in the brain, the brain becomes over-stimulated and the usual function is disturbed that results in seizures.
This medication stops epileptic fits by preventing extreme electrical activity in the brain. It is supposed to achieve this by stopping sodium from entering nerve cells once they activate fire rapid and repetitive electrical signals. An accumulation of sodium in the nerve cells is needed for the electrical signal to build up and be passed on to other nerve cells. As this drug prevents this, it helps alleviate the electrical activity in the brain.
How is Eslicarbazepine Acetate taken?
The suggested initial dose for this medication is 400 mg to be taken once a day. After a week, the dosage will increase to 800 mg once each day. The maximum recommended maintenance dosage is 1200 mg once daily. Each dose is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. Take this regularly or as directed by your doctor.
If you missed your dose, contact your doctor for instructions. Remember to not take two doses to make up for the missed one. Doing so, may develop another complication or may worsen your current condition. Take this medication exactly as it is given by your doctor. Do not take more or less than it is prescribed.
What are the possible side effects of Eslicarbazepine Acetate?
Here are some possible side effects that may occur while having this treatment:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Double and blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Cough
If these continue or get worse, call your doctor or medical help right away.
What are the precautions in using Eslicarbazepine Acetate?
- This may make you feel dizzy. Avoid driving or do anything that needs your alertness until you know how the drug affects you.
- If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor first before using this.
- Inform your doctor if you have had a medical history, allergies, or current medications including vitamins, herbal products, or food supplements.
- Do not share this or any of your medications with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- If there is any sign of an overdose, call for medical assistance right away.
- Keep this away from the reach of children.
