Oxcarbazepine and the Treatment of Partial Seizures

Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant (antiepileptic) that has a labeled use as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment for patients who have focal seizures, also known as partial seizures. Oxcarbazepine is also used off-label to treat neuropathic pain and mania associated with bipolar disorder in adults and pediatric patients. Oxcarbazepine can cause adverse events in patients. The primary events discussed here are central nervous system events, hyponatremia, and serious dermatologic reactions. The serum sodium levels of a patient should be monitored, and multidisciplinary involvement in a treatment plan with oxcarbazepine provides the best approach for improved patient outcomes.