Posted by medlib on July 27, 2000, at 18:23:15
In reply to Info on oxcarbazepine - Scott, Cam, anyone??, posted by Chris A. on July 27, 2000, at 17:20:53
> My pDoc is suggesting we try this apparently newly FDA approved relative of carbamazepine (Tegretol). It is supposed to have fewer side effects and less potential for drug interactions. Does anyone know anything practical about this anticonvulsant med - like the trade name, what company makes it, and the biggie - what is it's potential for causing weight gain? What I've found on medline doesn't answer these questions. Has any efficacy been shown in treatment resistant bipolar disorder? Would it stabilize one in a down mood or a bit farther up on the scale? Supposedly it can actually improve cognition and memory, which is the only thing that makes me want to consider it. It is a newbie for my pDoc. I have been his willing guinea pig for over five years now.
>
> Thanks for any insight,
>
> Chris A.----------------------------
Chris--
Oxcarbazine's trade name is Trileptal, made by Novartis, available in 150, 300 and 600 mg. tabs. Drug info is available at:
www.lexi.com/html/chapter/mono/hf095150.htm
I found no mention of weight gain, just mainly somnolence, N&V, etc. I also found no mention of use for BD--just treatment-refractive epilepsy, facial neuralgia; but, this was just a quick-and-dirty first-pass search. Others may be able to provide more pertinent details.
I know you've been through an awful lot; did you find reference to cognitive enhancement for this drug? I ask because the drug lit mentions cognitive dificulties (I presume, similar to Tegretol).
Anyway, hope this helps a little, and that the drug does, too; your deserve a break!
Well wishes--medlib
poster:medlib
thread:41526
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000717/msgs/41531.html