Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy and pain. It is also used to treat bipolar illness on occasion. However, some people think its side effects result in weight gain, does it?
While many people can be worried about weight gain when taking oxcarbazepine medicine, studies show that only children are highly affected by weight gain due to this treatment. On the other hand, adults who gain weight after this treatment are 1% or less, which means if you’re an adult, it rarely affects your weight.
It is thought to work by reducing the firing of nerves in the brain. Oxcarbazepine may cause side effects, including weight gain. Oxcarbazepine should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Are The Oxcarbazepine Side Effects?
The most typical side effects of Oxcarbazepine include:
1. Dizziness
Oxcarbazepine can cause several side effects, including dizziness. A sense of lightheadedness or unsteadiness characterizes dizziness. It can be mild or severe and can happen with or without a change in your level of consciousness.
Oxcarbazepine-induced dizziness is usually temporary and goes away once your body adjusts to the medication. However, you should contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe dizziness.
2. Sore throat
A sore throat is a typical condition caused by various viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants. The most common symptom of a sore throat is pain or discomfort when swallowing.
Other symptoms can include a scratchy sensation, hoarseness, and swollen lymph nodes. Most sore throats disappear on their own within a few days, but some may last longer.
Suppose you have a sore throat that lasts more than a week or is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms. In that case, it is crucial to see a doctor for an evaluation.
Many over-the-counter medications can help to relieve sore throat pain. Still, if Oxcarbazepine causes it, you should go to the hospital to check if it’s not beyond the typical sore throat.
3. Cough
A cough is a reflexive action to clear the throat of mucus or other irritants. Coughing also often occurs in response to a foreign body, such as a piece of food inhaled by mistake.
Coughing forcefully expels air from the lungs and can be accompanied by a rumbling or rattling sound as mucus and other debris are brought up from the chest. In some cases, coughing up blood may also occur.
Sometimes coughs can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Treatment for a cough will vary depending on the underlying cause.
For example, doctors may use bronchodilators to treat asthma, while they may prescribe antibiotics for pneumonia.
Doctors often treat Coughing associated with allergies with antihistamines. A doctor should constantly evaluate persistent or severe coughs to rule out serious medical conditions.
4. Headache
Headaches are pains that can be minor, moderate, or severe. Headaches can happen on one or both sides of the head and may come and go over time. The most prevalent form of headache is tension headache, which is often caused by stress or muscular tension.
Cluster headaches are a different headache that tends to happen in clusters. They’re usually more severe than tension headaches. Headaches can also result from illnesses like migraines, sinus infections, or even ear infections.
Suppose you’re suffering from headaches regularly. In that case, it’s essential to see a doctor so that they can determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
5. Drowsiness
Drowsiness is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It often results from lack of sleep or poor sleep quality. Still, it can also be triggered by certain medications like Oxcarbazepine, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices.
Drowsiness can majorly impact your life, making it difficult to concentrate, stay alert, and stay safe. There are several ways to combat tiredness, including getting more sleep, drinking caffeine, and taking short breaks throughout the day.
If you are feeling drowsy, improving your alertness and avoiding dangerous activities such as driving is crucial. If you frequently feel sleepy, you must consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
6. Blurred vision or double vision
Blurred vision is when you have difficulty seeing things. Double vision, or diplopia, occurs when you see two images of a single object.
Blurred vision may result from various conditions, including refractive error, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.
Double vision, on the other hand, usually results from an issue with the muscles that control your eye movements. These disorders, if left untreated, might result in irreversible eyesight loss.
7. Crying
A common side effect of taking Oxcarbazepine is crying. This may be because the drug lowers the level of serotonin in the brain, which can lead to feelings of sadness and depression.
In addition, Oxcarbazepine may also cause dry eyes, which can lead to irritation and itching. You must consult your doctor if you suffer any of the following adverse effects. He might be able to suggest an alternative drug that does not have these side effects.
8. Unsteadiness when walking or standing up
Unsteadiness when walking or standing up can indicate a neurological problem. It can also be a symptom of an ear infection, inner ear disorder, or vestibular neuritis.
Vestibular neuritis results from a viral illness of the vestibular nerve, which controls balance. Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, and nausea.
Typically, the problem resolves on its own in a few weeks but, in some cases, may require medication or physical therapy. Inner ear disorders can also cause instability.
Neurological problems that can cause unsteadiness include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and MS. These disorders can result from infections, trauma, or congenital defects.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include medications, surgery, or other interventions. If you experience any of the following ailments, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Related article: How to Lose Weight on Your Fingers?
How to Deal with Oxcarbazepine Side Effects on Weight gain
While weight gain is not one of the typical side effects of Oxcarbazepine, some studies reported few people taking the medication had gained weight. If you are concerned about weight gain, you can do a few things to help manage the side effect.
First, try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This will help to offset any weight gain that may occur. Second, talk to your doctor about changing your dosage or switching to a different medication.
If weight gain is a serious concern for you, they may be able to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Finally, remember that weight gain is typically a temporary side effect and will often resolve on its own over time. With endurance and perseverance, you should be able to manage any weight gain.
What Other Measures Can be Taken to Prevent Weight Gain While Taking Oxcarbazepine?
Other measures that you can take to prevent weight gain while taking Oxcarbazepine include:
- Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly
- Monitoring your weight regularly
- Limiting your intake of high-calorie foods and drinks
- Avoiding overeating or binge eating
If you notice any weight changes, please consult your doctor.
However, remember that we do not think Oxcarbezapine causes weight gain. This is because scientists have not conducted any convincing studies on this issue.
Thus, it is fair to assume that the exact cause of weight gain in people not taking this medication becomes the same even in those who take it.
How Long Will it Take For The Weight Gain to Go Away After Stopping Oxcarbazepine
Scientific studies have not found that the common side effect of Oxcarbazepine is weight gain. However, it might be possible that you have changed your diet and your daily exercise routines due to the sickness.
Consequently, you find that you gain weight when you start taking this medicine. In that case, It is easy for one to associate the intake of this medicine with becoming overweight.
In most cases, the weight gain will resolve itself once the person stops taking the medication and continue with daily exercises and a healthy diet.
However, some people can continue to experience weight gain even after they have stopped taking Oxcarbazepine. This might be due to your inactivity while still recovering your health.
If this is the case, speaking with a doctor or other healthcare provider is essential. They will be able to assess the situation and guide on how to best manage the weight gain. In some cases, additional lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, may be necessary to lose the extra weight.
Related article: Does Low Iron Cause Weight Gain?
Does Carbamazepine Make You Gain Weight?
Mental health practitioners use Carbamazepine to treat seizures, bipolar disorder, and trigeminal neuralgia. Sometimes they also use it to treat neuropathic pain, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and post-herpetic neuralgia.
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. It is available as a generic medication and brand-name drugs Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, and Tegretol XR.
Also, Carbamazepine can cause serious side effects, including low white blood cell counts, allergic reactions, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Typical side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Carbamazepine can cause various side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and weight gain.
While medical practitioners do not fully understand the exact mechanism by which CBZ causes weight gain, some think it is due to an increase in appetite or a decrease in energy expenditure.
In some cases, CBZ may also lead to fluid retention. If you are nervous that you might gain weight while taking CBZ, speak to your doctor about other potential treatment options.
Does Oxcarbazepine Slow Down Metabolism?
It is not currently known if Oxcarbazepine slows down metabolism. However, some assume that the drug may affect the body’s processing of carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are essential for energy production and many other metabolic processes. If Oxcarbazepine does slow down carbohydrate metabolism, it could profoundly impact the body’s overall metabolism.
Speaking with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about taking this medication is essential.
Which Mood Stabilizers Cause The Most Weight Gain?
Maybe the assumption that one of the side effects of oxcarbazepine is weight gain is a confusion between this medicine with other mood stabilizer drugs. As a result, many may have thought that some of these mood stabilizers can treat seizures, like Oxcarbazepine.
People who take mood stabilizers may experience weight gain as a side effect. Weight gain differs from person to person, and some people may not experience any weight gain.
In some cases, the weight gain may be due to fluid retention. The following mood stabilizers are most likely to cause weight gain: valproate (Depakote), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), and quetiapine (Seroquel).
These drugs can cause an increase in appetite, leading to weight gain. Talk to your doctor if you are taking a mood stabilizer and notice that you are gaining weight. They may be able to prescribe a different drug that does not cause weight gain.
How Quickly Does Oxcarbazepine Work For Bipolar?
Doctors state that it works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. The specific mechanism of action is not known. Still, some believe it to involve the modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels.
Oxcarbazepine is typically started at a low dose and is slowly titrated over several weeks. Some people may experience improvements in symptoms within a few days.
Still, it may take several weeks to feel the medication’s full effects. Suppose you are considering starting Oxcarbazepine for bipolar disorder. In that case, it is essential to consult a mental health professional to discuss potential risks and benefits.
What Is The Drug of Choice For Bipolar Disorder?
The drug of choice for bipolar disorder is lithium. It is a naturally occurring element used to treat bipolar disorder for over fifty years. It effectively treats the manic and depressive phases of the illness.
Lithium works by stabilizing mood swings and preventing extremes of mood. It is typically taken as a pill but can also be given as an injection or patch. Lithium is generally well-tolerated, but side effects can include nausea, vomiting, tremor, and weight gain.
Some people may also experience lithium toxicity, leading to kidney damage or irregular heartbeat. However, when appropriately used, lithium is an effective treatment for bipolar disorder.
What Else is Oxcarbazepine Used For?
In addition, Oxcarbazepine seems to be effective in treating bipolar disorder and migraine headaches. As we mentioned earlier, it works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.
Sometimes medical practitioners use it as a mood stabilizer in people with a borderline personality disorder. Side effects of the medication include dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, and nausea.
Is Oxcarbazepine a Psych Med?
Psychosis is a mental condition that causes people to see or hear things that are not real. People with psychosis may also have trouble thinking clearly, communicating well, and making decisions.
Psychosis can result from many things, including genetics, brain damage, drug abuse, and stress. Treatment for psychosis usually includes medication and therapy.
Oxcarbazepine is a medication that sometimes mental health practitioners use to treat psychosis. It is an anticonvulsant that they also use to treat seizures. Some studies have found that Oxcarbazepine can effectively treat psychotic symptoms, but more research is needed.
Conclusion
We hope that we have answered your interesting question. Based on current evidence, we rule that weight gain is not one of the side effects of Oxcarbazepine.
There might be other factors that contribute to weight gain in the people taking Oxcarbazepine. Of course, your doctor can identify this after he diagnoses you.
If your doctor prescribed this drug to you, if we were you, we would ask him what to do if the medication makes us feel not to exercise because this results in weight gain.