What Is Oxcarbazepine Used For? (Cont.)

How Does Oxcarbazepine Work?

During a seizure, brain cells (neurons) may fire as many as 500 times a second, much faster than the normal rate of about 80 times a second. Although it is not known exactly how oxcarbazepine works to prevent seizures, it may work by blocking sodium channels in the brain. By blocking sodium channels, oxcarbazepine may decrease the activity of brain cells, preventing them from firing abnormally.
 

Oxcarbazepine Uses in Children

Oxcarbazepine is approved for use along with other seizure medications in children ages two and older who have epilepsy and are suffering from partial seizures. For children ages four and older, it may be used with or without other seizure medications. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using oxcarbazepine in children.
 

Off-Label Oxcarbazepine Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend oxcarbazepine for something other than epilepsy. At this time, off-label oxcarbazepine uses can include the treatment of:
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;