Trileptal (Oxcarbamazepine) for Chronic Pain

Overview
Trileptal is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of seizures. Some physicians may prescribe Trileptal off-label to treat neuropathic pain. Trileptal is also referred to by its drug name, Oxcarbamazepine.

Trileptal is an anticonvulsant, or drug that controls seizures. Trileptal is believed to work by reducing nerve signals.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Trileptal should be taken twice daily.

Trileptal comes in tablet and oral solution forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Trileptal lists common side effects including sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, tremors, difficulty walking, and abnormal vision.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Trileptal include worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and severe skin reactions.