Oxtellar XR is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s approved to treat partial-onset seizures in people ages 6 years and older with epilepsy. Oxtellar XR may be used on its own or with other drugs to treat this condition.

Partial-onset seizures are also called focal-onset seizures. They start in one part of your brain and can cause muscle twitching or spasms, repetitive movements, and unusual sensations. With this type of seizure, you may be awake and aware, or you may have reduced awareness.

Drug details

Oxtellar XR contains the active drug oxcarbazepine. It belongs to a class of drugs called anti-epileptics. These are also called anti-convulsant or seizure medications.

Oxtellar XR comes as extended-release tablets that you take by mouth once a day. Extended-release tablets release the medication slowly over the day as the tablet passes through your digestive system.

The tablets are available in three strengths:

  • 150 milligrams (mg)
  • 300 mg
  • 600 mg

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Oxtellar XR, see the “Oxtellar XR uses” section below.

Oxtellar XR is a brand-name medication that contains the active drug oxcarbazepine. Generic forms of Oxtellar XR aren’t available.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Oxtellar XR is an extended-release form of oxcarbazepine, which means it slowly releases the active drug over a prolonged period of time. Other forms of oxcarbazepine are also available, but these are immediate-release forms of the drug. This means they release all of the active drug into your body right away. These immediate-release forms are the brand-name medication Trileptal and generic versions of Trileptal.

Oxtellar XR can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Oxtellar XR. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Oxtellar XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Oxtellar XR, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Oxtellar XR can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Oxtellar XR. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Oxtellar XR’s medication guide.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Oxtellar XR aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Side effects in children

Oxtellar XR is approved for children ages 6 years and older. The side effects of Oxtellar XR in children are similar to those in adults. These are described above and below.

However, it’s important to note that children may have a higher risk for new or worsening primary generalized seizures than adults taking Oxtellar XR. If a child taking Oxtellar XR has more frequent or severe seizures, or has a different type of seizure, they should see their doctor right away.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Weight gain

Some people may experience weight gain while taking Oxtellar XR. This side effect wasn’t reported in people taking Oxtellar XR in clinical studies.

Weight gain was reported in people taking immediate-release* oxcarbazepine in studies, but it was uncommon. Oxcarbazepine is the active drug in Oxtellar XR. Oxtellar XR is an extended-release† form of oxcarbazepine.

If you’re concerned about weight gain with Oxtellar XR, talk with your doctor. They can give advice on ways to reach or maintain a moderate weight.

* A drug that is in an immediate-release form releases all of the active drug into your body right away.
† A drug that is in an extended-release form slowly releases the active drug over a prolonged period of time.

Suicidal thoughts or actions

In rare cases, taking Oxtellar XR may increase the risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. This side effect is a risk with all anti-epileptic drugs (the drug group that Oxtellar belongs to.) Having a diagnosis of epilepsy can also increase your risk for having suicidal thoughts or actions.

Symptoms of suicidal thoughts or actions may include:

If you have any of the warning signs or symptoms listed above while you’re taking Oxtellar XR, talk with your doctor right away. Your doctor can determine what your next steps should be. For example, they may suggest switching your anti-epileptic treatment. Or they may suggest receiving treatment for depression, such as psychotherapy (talk therapy) or anti-depressant medication.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

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Serious skin reactions

Some people may have serious skin reactions while taking Oxtellar XR. These skin reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Serious skin reactions weren’t reported in people taking Oxtellar XR in clinical studies. They occurred in people taking immediate-release oxcarbazepine in studies, but they were rare. (Oxtellar XR is an extended-release form of oxcarbazepine.)

If you experience a serious skin reaction, it’s most likely to occur during the first few weeks of taking Oxtellar XR. These reactions can be life threatening, and on very rare occasions they may be fatal.

Symptoms of SJS and TEN may include:

If you have symptoms of a serious skin reaction while taking Oxtellar XR, see your doctor right away. You may need treatment in a hospital. Your doctor will likely switch you to a different seizure medication.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Oxtellar XR. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Oxtellar XR, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The Oxtellar XR dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • your age
  • how well your kidneys work
  • other medications you may take
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • if you’re switching to Oxtellar XR from the immediate-release* form of oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar XR is an extended-release form† of oxcarbazepine)
  • body weight, for children

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

* A drug that is in an immediate-release form releases all of the active drug into your body right away.
† A drug that is in an extended-release form slowly releases the active drug over a prolonged period of time.

Drug forms and strengths

Oxtellar XR comes as extended-release tablets that you take by mouth once daily. Extended-release tablets slowly release the medication over the day as the tablet passes through your digestive system.

Oxtellar XR tablets are available in three strengths:

  • 150 milligrams (mg)
  • 300 mg
  • 600 mg

Dosage for partial-onset seizures

The usual starting dosage of Oxtellar XR for partial-onset seizures in adults is 600 mg taken once daily for 1 week. Your doctor will then increase your dosage by 600 mg each week until you reach the dosage that’s right for you.

The usual recommended dosage of Oxtellar XR for adults is 1,200 mg to 2,400 mg taken once daily.

Children’s dosage

Oxtellar XR may be prescribed for partial-onset seizures in children. For children ages 6 years to 16 years, the dosage is based on the child’s body weight. (17-year-olds will take the adult dosage described in the section above.)

The usual starting dose for children ages 6 years to 16 years is 8 mg to 10 mg per kilogram (kg)* of body weight, up to a maximum of 600 mg. This is taken once daily for 1 week.

The child’s doctor will then increase their dose by 8 mg to 10 mg per kg of body weight, up to a maximum of 600 mg. Their dose will be increased each week until the recommended dosage is reached.

The usual recommended dosages for children are as follows:

  • children weighing 20 kg to 29 kg (about 44 lb to 64 lb): 900 mg once daily
  • children weighing 29.1 kg to 39 kg (about 64 lb to 86 lb): 1,200 mg once daily
  • children weighing more than 39 kg (over 86 lb): 1,800 mg once daily

* 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose as scheduled. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Doing so can increase your risk for side effects.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Oxtellar XR is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Oxtellar XR is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

It’s important that you don’t suddenly stop taking Oxtellar XR. Doing so could make your seizures come back or get worse. It can also lead to status epilepticus (seizures that don’t stop).

If you have questions about how long your Oxtellar XR treatment will last, talk with your doctor.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Oxtellar XR.

Is Oxtellar XR used to treat pain, such as nerve pain from trigeminal neuralgia?

Oxtellar XR isn’t approved by the FDA to treat any form of pain. But it might be used off-label* for trigeminal neuralgia. This is a nerve disorder that causes a severe stabbing pain in the face.

If you’re interested in taking Oxtellar XR to treat trigeminal neuralgia, talk with your doctor.

* Off-label drug use means taking a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Can Oxtellar XR be prescribed for bipolar disorder?

Oxtellar XR isn’t FDA-approved for bipolar disorder. But it might be used off-label to treat manic episodes of bipolar disorder. It can also be used as a mood stabilizer for this condition.

Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in taking Oxtellar XR for bipolar disorder.

Can I drive while taking Oxtellar XR?

This depends how the medication affects you. Oxtellar XR can sometimes cause sleepiness, dizziness, and changes to your vision, such as double vision or blurred vision. If you have these side effects, you shouldn’t drive or operate dangerous machinery.

If you have epilepsy, driving laws will also affect whether you’re eligible to drive. These laws may vary from state to state. You’ll typically need to be seizure-free for a certain amount of time, and your doctor will usually need to confirm that you’re able to drive safely.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Oxtellar XR to treat certain conditions. Oxtellar XR may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means taking a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Oxtellar XR for partial-onset seizures

Oxtellar XR is FDA-approved to treat partial-onset seizures in people ages 6 years and older with epilepsy. Partial-onset seizures start in one part of your brain. They’re also called focal-onset seizures.

Oxtellar XR is taken every day to help prevent these seizures. It’s approved to take as a monotherapy (on its own) or as an adjunctive therapy (with other medications).

About partial-onset seizures

There are two types of partial-onset seizures:

  • Simple partial-onset seizures. With this type, you’re awake and aware of the seizure and your surroundings. You also remember the seizure afterward.
  • Complex partial-onset seizures. With this type, you may be unaware of the seizure or your surroundings. You may not remember the seizure afterward.

The symptoms you may have with partial-onset seizures depend on the part of your brain that’s affected. You may have motor and/or non-motor symptoms.

Motor symptoms affect movement. Examples may include:

  • muscle twitching or spasms
  • jerking movements
  • repetitive movements, such as unusual facial movements
  • sudden stiffness or weakness of your limbs

Non-motor symptoms don’t affect movement. Examples may include:

  • feeling of Déjà vu
  • noticing an unusual smell or taste
  • change in vision, such as seeing colored or flashing lights, or hallucinations
  • unusual sensations, such as numbness or tingling
  • change in emotions, such as sudden fear or joy

Effectiveness for partial-onset seizures

Oxtellar XR is an effective treatment for reducing the number of partial-onset seizures a person may have. To find out how it performed in clinical studies, see the drug’s prescribing information.

The American Epilepsy Society’s treatment guidelines recommend Oxtellar XR as an add-on treatment option for partial-onset seizures that haven’t improved enough with other medications.

Oxtellar XR and children

Oxtellar XR is FDA-approved to treat partial-onset seizures in children ages 6 years and older. It’s not approved for younger children because it hasn’t been studied and proven to be safe and effective for children under 6 years of age.

As with all medications, the cost of Oxtellar XR can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Oxtellar XR. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Oxtellar XR, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Oxtellar XR, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Oxtellar XR, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the manufacturer of Oxtellar XR, offers a copay savings program. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 866-398-0833 or visit the program website. You can also learn more about saving money on prescriptions here.

Mail-order pharmacies

Oxtellar XR may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Oxtellar XR, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Oxtellar XR isn’t available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Oxtellar XR is an extended-release* form of oxcarbazepine. Other forms of oxcarbazepine are available as generics, but these are immediate-release† forms of the drug.

If your doctor has prescribed Oxtellar XR and you’re interested in taking an immediate-release form of oxcarbazepine instead, talk with your doctor. They may recommend one version over the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

* A drug that is in an extended-release form slowly releases the active drug over a prolonged period of time.
† A drug that is in an immediate-release form releases all of the active drug into your body right away.

Other drugs are available that can treat partial-onset seizures. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Oxtellar XR, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat partial-onset seizures include:

* An immediate-release form of a drug releases all of the active drug into your body right away.

There is no known interaction between Oxtellar XR and alcohol. However, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Oxtellar XR. This is because alcohol may increase the risk and severity of certain side effects of Oxtellar XR, such as sleepiness and dizziness.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much (if any) is safe for you to drink during your Oxtellar XR treatment.

Oxtellar XR is approved to treat partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy. Partial-onset seizures, also called focal-onset seizures, are seizures that start in one part of your brain.

What happens with epilepsy

The cause of epilepsy isn’t fully understood. But seizures happen when there’s a disturbance in the electrical activity in your brain. With partial-onset seizures, electrical signals build up inside nerve cells in one part of your brain. This causes them to send incorrect signals to other nerve cells and to other parts of your body. This causes the seizure.

What Oxtellar XR does

Oxtellar XR is an anti-epileptic medication that helps prevent partial-onset seizures. It contains the active drug oxcarbazepine.

Oxcarbazepine works by blocking sodium channels on nerve cells in your brain. Sodium channels are tiny openings that allow sodium (a type of electrolyte) to move in and out of your cells. Sodium is needed for nerve cells to be able to properly send electrical signals to each other.

By blocking sodium channels, Oxtellar XR prevents too many electrical signals from building up in nerve cells in your brain. This stops them from firing incorrect signals, which is how Oxtellar XR helps reduce the number and severity of your seizures.

Oxtellar XR is an extended-release* form of oxcarbazepine. It has a longer half-life than immediate-release† forms of oxcarbazepine. (The half-life of a drug refers to how long it takes for half a dose to be removed from your body.) Because it stays in your system longer, Oxtellar XR only needs to be taken once daily. Immediate-release forms of oxcarbazepine need to be taken twice daily.

* A drug that is in an extended-release form slowly releases the active drug over a prolonged period of time.
† A drug that is in an immediate-release form releases all of the active drug into your body right away.

How long does it take to work?

Oxtellar XR starts working within a couple of hours after you start taking it. However, when you begin treatment, your doctor may gradually increase your dose over a few weeks. So it may take a few weeks before the medication builds up to an effective level. At this point you should notice that your seizures happen less often and are less severe.

It’s important to keep taking Oxtellar XR as prescribed, even if you don’t think it’s making much difference at first.

For more information about dosage, see “Oxtellar XR dosage” above.

If you have questions about how Oxtellar XR works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Oxtellar XR can interact with several other medications.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the risk of side effects or make them more severe.

Oxtellar XR and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Oxtellar XR. This list doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Oxtellar XR.

Before taking Oxtellar XR, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Types of drugs that can interact with Oxtellar XR include:

  • Certain anti-epileptics. You may take Oxtellar XR with other anti-epileptic medications to treat your seizures. Taking Oxtellar XR with certain anti-epileptic medications may raise your risk for side effects. It could also make Oxtellar XR less effective. If you need to take these drugs together, your doctor may adjust your dosage of Oxtellar XR. Examples of these drugs include:
    • phenobarbital
  • Birth control pills. Taking Oxtellar XR with birth control pills can make them less effective at preventing pregnancy. Examples of these drugs include:
    • desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Bekyree, Kariva)
    • drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Yaz)
    • levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Lessina, Levora, Seasonique)
    • norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol (Balziva, Junel, Loestrin/Loestrin Fe, Microgestin/Microgestin Fe)
    • norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (Ortho Tri Cyclen/Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo, Sprintec, Tri-Sprintec)
    • norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cryselle)
  • Rifampicin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Taking Oxtellar XR with rifampicin may make Oxtellar XR less effective. If you do take these drugs together, your doctor may prescribe a dose of Oxtellar XR that’s higher than usual.
  • Anti-depressants. You may have a higher risk for hyponatremia (low sodium levels) if you take Oxtellar XR with an anti-depressant medication. Examples of these drugs include:
  • CYP3A4 inducers and UGT enzyme inducers. Drugs that are CYP3A4 and UGT inducers can increase your risk of side effects from Oxtellar XR. Examples include:
    • anti-epileptic drugs mentioned above
    • the antibiotic Rifampin

Oxtellar XR and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Oxtellar XR. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Oxtellar XR.

Oxtellar XR and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Oxtellar XR. However, it’s important to note that you should avoid eating food at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking Oxtellar XR. This is because taking Oxtellar XR with food causes your body to absorb the drug more quickly. This may increase your risk for side effects.

You should take Oxtellar XR according to the instructions your doctor or other healthcare professional gives you.

When to take

You should take Oxtellar XR once daily. You can take your dose at any time of day but try to stick to the same time every day.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Taking Oxtellar XR with food

You should take Oxtellar XR without food, on an empty stomach. This means you should take your dose at least 1 hour before a meal or at least 2 hours after a meal.

Can Oxtellar XR be crushed, split, or chewed?

No, you shouldn’t crush, split, or chew Oxtellar XR tablets. Doing so can damage the extended-release action of these tablets, causing all the medication to be released at once. This could raise your risk for side effects.

Instead, you should swallow Oxtellar XR tablets whole. This is easier if you take the tablets with water. If you have trouble swallowing these tablets whole, talk with your doctor.

Oxtellar XR may be harmful to a fetus if it’s taken during pregnancy. Limited information from pregnancy registries suggests that this medication may increase the risk of certain birth defects (problems with fetal development). These include cleft lip and palate, and certain heart defects.

However, it’s also important to note that if epilepsy goes untreated during pregnancy, this can also be harmful to both the mother and fetus.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Oxtellar XR.

Pregnancy registry

If you do take Oxtellar XR during pregnancy, you’re encouraged to sign up for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. This registry collects information about the health of babies born to people who took anti-epileptic drugs, such as Oxtellar XR, while pregnant.

The registry helps healthcare professionals learn more about the safety of drugs such as Oxtellar XR during pregnancy. This can help you and others to make informed decisions about the treatments you take during pregnancy.

You can register by visiting the program website or calling 888-233-2334.

Oxtellar XR may be harmful to a fetus if it’s taken during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Oxtellar XR.

For more information about taking Oxtellar XR during pregnancy, see the “Oxtellar XR and pregnancy” section above.

It’s important to note that Oxtellar XR can make birth control pills containing ethinylestradiol or levonorgestrel less effective at preventing pregnancy. To learn more, see the “Oxtellar XR interactions” section above.

If you take hormonal birth control pills, your doctor may recommend using an extra form of birth control during your treatment, such as condoms. Or they may recommend using a different form of birth control altogether.

It’s not known if Oxtellar XR is safe to take while breastfeeding. The drug passes into breast milk in small amounts, but it’s not known whether this can affect a child who’s breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of taking Oxtellar XR.

Before taking Oxtellar XR, talk with your doctor about your health history. Oxtellar XR may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Allergic reaction to Oxtellar XR. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Oxtellar XR or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Oxtellar XR. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Allergic reaction to similar drugs. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to eslicarbazepine (Aptiom) you shouldn’t take Oxtellar XR. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril, Epitol), ask your doctor if Oxtellar XR is right for you. Some people who’ve had an allergic reaction to carbamazepine may also have an allergic reaction to Oxtellar XR.
  • Asian ancestry. Some people with Asian ancestry may carry a certain gene, HLA-B*1502, that raises their risk for serious skin reactions with Oxtellar XR. If you have Asian ancestry, your doctor may test you for this gene before prescribing Oxtellar XR.
  • Kidney problems. Your kidneys remove Oxtellar XR from your body. If your kidneys don’t work well, Oxtellar XR may build up in your body. This could increase your risk for side effects. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a dose of Oxtellar XR that’s lower than usual. If you’re having dialysis for end-stage kidney disease, your doctor may recommend taking an immediate-release† form of oxcarbazepine instead of Oxtellar XR. (Oxtellar XR is an extended-release‡ form of oxcarbazepine.)
  • Liver problems. Oxtellar XR isn’t recommended for people with severe liver problems. The drug hasn’t been studied in this group of people. If you have severe liver problems, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.
  • Pregnancy. Oxtellar XR may be harmful if used during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Oxtellar XR and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s not known if Oxtellar XR is safe to take while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Oxtellar XR and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Oxtellar XR, see the “Oxtellar XR side effects” section above.

† A drug that is in an immediate-release form releases all of the active drug into your body right away.
‡ A drug that is in an extended-release form slowly releases the active drug over a prolonged period of time.

Taking more than the recommended dosage of Oxtellar XR can lead to serious side effects. Do not take more Oxtellar XR than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

There haven’t been studies on whether Oxtellar XR can cause drug dependence. With drug dependence, your body becomes reliant on a drug to function normally. As a result, you may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.

Oxtellar doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it. However, suddenly stopping treatment can make your seizures come back, happen more often, or become more severe. It can also lead to status epilepticus (seizures that don’t stop).

If you and your doctor agree that you should stop taking Oxtellar XR, your doctor will likely decrease your dose slowly to help avoid these problems. However, if you have certain serious side effects, your doctor may ask you to stop treatment more quickly. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

When you get Oxtellar XR from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid taking expired medications. If you have unused medication that’s gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Oxtellar XR tablets should be stored at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Oxtellar XR and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

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