Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Intake Of Oxcarbazepine Help In Treating ADHD?
Posted on
Sat, 20 Feb 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 20 Feb 2016
Answered on
Fri, 29 Apr 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : My stepson has been prescribed 900 mg of oxcarbazepine, divided into two doses of 450 mg to be taken daily. As well as a capsule identified as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine extended release 10 mg to be taken once daily. He does have very mild adhd, as well as very mild anxiety. He was also recently put on melatonin, 2 tablets, prescription strength. He is 8 years old and weighs about 53 pounds. We feel he is being over medicated, and are reaching out to see if we are just being overprotective. When he comes to us every other weekend he is very lethargic and scattered in his thought process. He has been complaining of chest pain sometimes, and also says he hates taking and doesn't understand why he has to take them. Can you give us some guidance?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you for your question.
I think for ADHD his treatment is sound at this point, and I would have no major objections to it. However, the use of Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) in a child of this age strikes me as potentially problematic.
It is typically used as a third- or fourth-line mood stabilizer in adults, which is to say it is generally not seen as very effective. It can be sedating, which might explain your child's lethargy.
A scattered thought process is not a typical side effect of these medications, and may be a symptom of ADHD. I would talk with your child's doctor to re-evaluate the need for Trileptal.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you for your question.
I think for ADHD his treatment is sound at this point, and I would have no major objections to it. However, the use of Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) in a child of this age strikes me as potentially problematic.
It is typically used as a third- or fourth-line mood stabilizer in adults, which is to say it is generally not seen as very effective. It can be sedating, which might explain your child's lethargy.
A scattered thought process is not a typical side effect of these medications, and may be a symptom of ADHD. I would talk with your child's doctor to re-evaluate the need for Trileptal.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
