Trileptal side effects including Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) have been added to the drugs warning label following reports of an increased risk of severe skin conditions in patients. Trileptal can cause allergic reactions including skin reactions that in certain cases can be life-threatening.

Trileptal was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2000. Trileptal, an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug (AED), was approved for use as an adjunctive and monotherapy for the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy and for the adjunctive treatment of partial seizures in children, ages 4-16, with epilepsy.

The precise way that Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) exerts its antiseizure effect is not fully understood. Pharmacological activity results from oxcarbazepine and its monohydroxy metabolite (MHD). Oxcarbazepine and MHD are known to block voltage-sensitive sodium channels, stabilizing hyper excited neuronal membranes, inhibiting repetitive firing, and diminution of the propagation of synaptic impulses. These actions are thought to prevent the spread of seizures. Oxcarbazepine and MHD also appear to increase calcium conductance and modulate calcium channels in the central nervous system.

The FDA reports a 3 to 10 higher rate of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) than the average incidence rates for these skin disorders. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe skin disease which is potentially life-threatening. It may cause skin peeling, rashes, blistering and sores on mucous membranes. SJS can lead to scarring of mucous membranes, blindness, lung damage, arthritis, dry eye syndrome, and asthma.

The potentially fatal Trileptal side effect Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis has also been reported as a reaction to the medication. TEN is similar to SJS in that it is a skin disease that involves the development of a rash that can spread throughout the body. TEN starts with non-specific symptoms that include cough, aching, fever, and headaches. This can be followed by the development of a rash across the face and the torso of the body and then continue to spread to other areas of the body. The rash can then lead to blisters which can form in areas such as the eyes, mouth, and vaginal areas. In addition, the mucous membranes can be affected. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can also cause layers of the skin to peel away in sheets. The affected skin can resemble burned skin and cause serious infections which can lead to death.

A reaction to medication is a significant cause of both Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Patients of any age can find themselves affected by these skin disorders. However, they are typically seen in older patients and people with AIDS who have a diminished ability to fight off infections due to having a lower immunity. Patients who are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Trileptal side effects should seek medical attention immediately. The earlier that treatment can be initiated the better chance there is for recovery.