Oxtellar XR (oxcarbazepine) is a brand-name drug prescribed to treat focal onset (partial) seizures in adults and some children. Oxtellar XR comes as an extended-release (ER) tablet that’s typically taken once per day.
Oxtellar XR is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat focal onset seizures (also known as partial or partial-onset seizures) in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
Oxtellar XR belongs to a drug class called anticonvulsants. It’s not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosages of Oxtellar XR, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Oxtellar XR, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages of Oxtellar XR provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Oxtellar XR, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
The typically recommended dosages for Oxtellar XR are described below.
Oxtellar XR form
Oxtellar XR comes as an ER oral tablet. With ER medications, the drug is slowly released into your body over time.
Oxtellar XR strengths
Oxtellar XR comes in three strengths:
- 150 milligrams (mg)
- 300 mg
- 600 mg
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing 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 the dosage that’s commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for focal onset seizures
The recommended starting dosage of Oxtellar XR for focal onset seizures in adults is 600 mg once per day. After 1 week, your doctor may recommend increasing your dose to 1,200 mg once per day.
If this dose isn’t managing your seizures, your doctor may recommend another dose increase. They may adjust your dose in weekly increases of 600 mg once per day, up to 2,400 mg once per day.
The maximum recommended dosage of oxcarbazepine (the active ingredient in Oxtellar XR) is 2,400 mg per day.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Oxtellar XR is approved to treat focal onset seizures in children ages 6 years and older.
For children ages 6 to 16 years, the dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The dosage per kg is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and is calculated by your child’s doctor.
The usual starting dosage is 8 to 10 mg/kg of body weight (up to a maximum of 600 mg) once per day. After 1 week, your child’s doctor may recommend a dose increase, up to 1,800 mg once per day. The table below lists the typically recommended dosage for children taking Oxtellar XR:
| Body weight | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| 20 to 29 kg (about 44 to 63.8 lb) | 900 mg once per day |
| 29.1 to 39 kg (about 64 to 85.8 lb) | 1,200 mg once per day |
| greater than 39 kg (greater than about 85.8 lb) | 1,800 mg once per day |
Children who are 17 years old will take the recommended adult dosage described above.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
How to take Oxtellar XR
Oxtellar XR comes as a tablet that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew the tablet. Your doctor will likely recommend taking your dose on an empty stomach. This means 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after a meal.
Try to take your dose around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Oxtellar XR can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have questions about how to take Oxtellar XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Oxtellar XR is meant to be 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.
Before you start taking this medication, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Oxtellar XR in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Oxtellar XR and dosage.
Is the dosage of Oxtellar XR similar to the dosage of Trileptal?
Yes, there are some similarities in the dosages of these drugs. However, there are also differences, including the drug’s form and how often you take it. Oxtellar XR and Trileptal both contain the same active ingredient (oxcarbazepine) and are prescribed to treat focal onset seizures (also known as partial seizures).
Both of these medications come as a tablet that you take by mouth. However, Oxtellar XR is an ER tablet that’s typically taken once per day. Trileptal is an immediate-release (IR) tablet that’s typically taken twice per day. (With IR tablets, the drug is released into the body shortly after taking your dose.) Trileptal also comes as an oral solution.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
Can Oxtellar XR be used for bipolar disorder? If so, what’s the dosage?
Yes, Oxtellar XR may be prescribed off-label to treat manic episodes of bipolar disorder. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what the FDA approved it for. (Oxtellar XR is approved to treat focal onset seizures.) Oxtellar XR may also be prescribed off-label as a mood stabilizer in people with bipolar disorder.
Because Oxtellar XR isn’t approved for bipolar disorder, the drug’s manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
If you’d like to learn more about Oxtellar XR for bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor.
Is there a typical dosage range for Oxtellar XR?
Yes, the typically recommended dosage range for Oxtellar XR is 1,200 to 2,400 mg once per day.
Your doctor will typically start by prescribing a lower dose. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that provides the desired effect.
For more information about Oxtellar XR dosages, see the “Oxtellar XR dosage” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
It’s important that you do not take more Oxtellar XR than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose
Overdose symptoms of Oxtellar XR can include:
- sleepiness
- agitation
- nausea and vomiting
- tremors
- headache
- double vision
- confusion
- shortness of breath
If you take more than the recommended amount of Oxtellar XR
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Oxtellar XR. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
To learn more about seizure treatments, see our epilepsy and seizures hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.