From the Guidelines
Oxcarbazepine can potentially cause anxiousness and tachycardia as side effects, and if you're experiencing these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss possible dosage adjustments or alternative medications. The symptoms of anxiousness and tachycardia associated with oxcarbazepine may be dose-related, and reducing the dosage or switching to an alternative medication such as lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or carbamazepine may be considered depending on the patient's condition 1. Oxcarbazepine works by stabilizing neuronal membranes through sodium channel modulation, but it can also affect neurotransmitter systems that regulate mood and autonomic functions, which may explain why some patients experience anxiety or increased heart rate 1. Some key points to consider when managing oxcarbazepine-related side effects include:
- Maintaining regular sleep patterns to help manage anxiety and reduce the risk of exacerbating tachycardia
- Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may worsen anxiety and increase heart rate
- Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help manage anxiety and reduce stress
- Reporting any side effects to the healthcare provider promptly to ensure appropriate management of the condition 1. It's essential to note that the decision to adjust the dosage or switch to an alternative medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, as they can assess the individual patient's needs and make informed decisions about the best course of treatment 1.
From the Research
Adverse Effects of Oxcarbazepine
- The most common adverse effects of oxcarbazepine are usually related to the central nervous system and digestive system, including fatigue, drowsiness, diplopia, dizziness, nausea, and vomit 2.
- Long-term use of oxcarbazepine may also cause hyponatremia 2, 3.
- There is limited information available on oxcarbazepine causing anxiousness and tachycardia, but one case report suggests that oxcarbazepine may be associated with hyponatremic seizure in patients with comorbid anxiety and affective disorder 4.
Tolerability and Safety of Oxcarbazepine
- Oxcarbazepine is generally considered to be well tolerated and has a more favorable profile regarding tolerability and drug-drug interactions compared to carbamazepine 5, 6.
- Oxcarbazepine may be better tolerated than carbamazepine, but the potential for oxcarbazepine to induce serious idiosyncratic reactions is unknown 3.
- Oxcarbazepine has been shown to improve cognition and psychomotor performance, and may increase alertness, in contrast to the cognition/psychomotor impairment observed with some other antiepileptic drugs 6.