Trokendi XR Overview: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, and More

Side effects of Trokendi XR

Like most drugs, Trokendi XR may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of its more common side effects. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about the potential side effects of Trokendi XR and suggest ways to help ease your symptoms.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Trokendi XR can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Trokendi XR’s prescribing information.

Side effects might differ slightly depending on whether you take the drug for migraine or epilepsy.

Mild side effects of Trokendi XR that have been reported include:

• loss of appetite
• fatigue (low energy)
• problems with digestion, such as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain
• fever
• tingling or numbness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet
• upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• dizziness
• impaired taste (changes in how things taste)
• nervousness
• problems with speech, such as trouble thinking of the right words to say
• slowed physical or mental activity, which can lead to memory or speech problems
• hair loss
• weight loss
• sleepiness
• mild eye side effects, such as blurry vision

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Trokendi XR can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Trokendi XR, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Trokendi XR that have been reported include:

• high level of acid in the blood
• decreased sweating, which can lead to hyperthermia (very high body temperature)
• kidney stones
• high level of ammonia in the blood, which can lead to brain swelling
• severe rash and other serious skin reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis
• severe changes in mood or memory
• severe eye side effects, such as vision loss
• depression, which may lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Trokendi XR. While allergic reaction wasn’t reported in clinical studies of Trokendi XR, it can still happen.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Trokendi XR. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Trokendi XR dosage

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Trokendi XR that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Forms and strengths

Trokendi XR comes as an extended-release (ER) oral capsule that you take by mouth. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)

It’s available in four strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg.

Recommended dosages

Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose of Trokendi XR. They’ll adjust it over time until you reach the dose that treats your condition without causing bothersome side effects.

Your Trokendi XR dosage will be based on several factors, including:

• your age
• the condition you’re taking the drug to treat
• how well your condition is improving with the drug
• other medical conditions you have, such as kidney problems
• other medications you’re taking
• body weight (for children taking the drug)

Trokendi XR can be used to help prevent migraine or treat epilepsy in adults and some children. For these uses, you’ll typically take Trokendi XR once per day.

To learn about Trokendi XR’s exact dosage for migraine prevention or epilepsy treatment, talk with your doctor.

How to take

Your doctor will explain how you should take Trokendi XR. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Trokendi comes as an ER oral capsule that is taken by mouth. It should be swallowed whole.

Taking Trokendi XR with other drugs

If you take Trokendi XR to treat epilepsy, you may take it with other epilepsy drugs.

Examples of other epilepsy drugs include:

• lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• levetiracetam (Elepsia XR, Keppra)
• oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar XR, Trileptal)

Your doctor will recommend the combination of drugs that’s best for you.

About taking Trokendi XR

Below are answers to a few questions about Trokendi XR’s dosages.

• Can Trokendi XR be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you should not chew, crush, or split Trokendi XR capsules. You’ll swallow the capsules whole. If you have trouble swallowing Trokendi XR capsules, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Should I take Trokendi XR with food? You can take Trokendi XR with food or without it.
• What if I miss a dose of Trokendi XR? If you miss a dose of Trokendi XR, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on whether you should take the missed dose or skip it.
• Will I need to use Trokendi XR long term? Probably. If Trokendi XR is working well for you without causing bothersome side effects, you’ll likely take the drug long term.
• How long does Trokendi XR take to work? Trokendi XR starts working in your body as soon as you take it. But it may take several weeks for the symptoms of your condition to ease. If you have questions about what to expect with Trokendi XR treatment, talk with your doctor.

Overdose

Do not take more Trokendi XR than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

• sleepiness
• dizziness
• belly pain
• vision changes, such as blurry vision or double vision
• loss of coordination
• agitation
• convulsions, which may cause rigid muscles, uncontrolled muscle movements, or loss of consciousness
• memory problems
• depression
• low blood pressure
• stupor (being unresponsive)
• very high level of acid in the blood
• coma

In rare cases, overdose of Trokendi XR has led to death.

What to do in case of overdose

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Trokendi XR. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Trokendi XR interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Trokendi XR, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Trokendi XR.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Trokendi XR can interact with several types of drugs. These drugs include:

• certain other seizure drugs, such as:
  • phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
  • carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
  • valproic acid
  • zonisamide (Zonegran)
• central nervous system depressants (medications that reduce the activity of your spinal cord and brain), including:
  • benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax)
  • insomnia drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien)
• birth control pills
• the heart condition drugs hydrochlorothiazide and acetazolamide
• the diabetes drug pioglitazone (Actos)
• the mental health condition drugs lithium (Lithobid) and amitriptyline

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Trokendi XR. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of Trokendi XR.

Note: Taking Trokendi XR with valproic acid may lead to hypothermia (very low body temperature). Your doctor can advise if it’s safe for you to take these medications together.

Other interactions

Before starting Trokendi XR treatment, tell your doctor if you follow a ketogenic diet.

A ketogenic diet is a type of diet that’s high in fat and low in carbohydrates. The diet can be used to help manage epilepsy (which Trokendi XR treats) or for other health benefits.

Following a ketogenic diet while taking Trokendi XR can raise your risk for certain side effects of the drug. These include kidney stones and having a high level of acid in your blood.

You should talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Trokendi XR while following a ketogenic diet. If needed, your doctor can suggest a different diet to help manage your epilepsy.

Trokendi XR and alcohol

You should not drink alcohol within 6 hours before or after you’ve taken Trokendi XR. Doing so can worsen certain side effects of Trokendi XR, such as sleepiness and dizziness.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol during your Trokendi XR treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Trokendi XR precautions

Before taking Trokendi XR, discuss your health history with your doctor. Trokendi XR may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• lung or breathing problems
• bone problems, such as osteoporosis
• kidney problems, such as having kidney stones or receiving dialysis
• liver problems
• mood changes or suicidal thoughts
• eye problems, such as glaucoma
• high level of acid in your blood
• ketogenic diet
• growth problems
• diarrhea
• previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

Factors to consider when taking Trokendi XR

The following is important information to consider and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Trokendi XR.

Trokendi XR and pregnancy

It’s not safe to take Trokendi XR during pregnancy. Trokendi XR may cause side effects in children born to people who took the drug while pregnant. This includes children being smaller than usual for their age or having a cleft palate and a cleft lip.

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before taking Trokendi XR. They may recommend a different drug for your condition.

If you happen to take Trokendi XR during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. Pregnancy registries collect information about the safety of a drug when used during pregnancy.

To learn more, visit the registry’s website, call 888-233-2334, or talk with your doctor.

Trokendi XR and breastfeeding

It’s unknown whether Trokendi XR is safe to take while breastfeeding. This is because the drug passes into breast milk, which could cause a breastfed child to have diarrhea or sleepiness.

If you have questions about taking Trokendi XR while breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.

Trokendi XR cost and savings

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Trokendi XR. What you’ll pay for Trokendi XR may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:

• Cost information and savings coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Trokendi XR. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
• Savings program: If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Trokendi XR manufacturer’s website to learn about the support options available.

Uses for Trokendi XR

If you have migraine or epilepsy, your doctor may prescribe Trokendi XR for you. It’s used to help prevent migraine and treat certain types of seizures.

Keep reading to learn more about these conditions and how Trokendi XR is used to treat them.

Migraine

Trokendi XR is used for migraine prevention in adults and in children ages 12 years and older.

Migraine is a condition that causes severe headache along with other symptoms. Examples include:

• nausea and vomiting
• vision problems
• fatigue (low energy)
• sensitivity to light or sound

Epilepsy

Trokendi XR is used for seizures that occur with epilepsy. It’s used for this purpose in adults and in children ages 6 years and older.

Trokendi XR is used to treat the following types of seizures:

• Focal seizures. Focal onset seizures (also known as partial seizures) may cause muscle stiffness or jerking, along with other symptoms. Examples include repeating phrases or words, daydreaming, or picking at clothing. For treating focal onset seizures, Trokendi XR may be used alone or with other epilepsy drugs.
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures also cause muscle stiffness or jerking, along with other symptoms. Examples include loss of consciousness, falling, or loss of bladder control. For treating generalized tonic-clonic seizures, Trokendi XR may be used alone or with other epilepsy drugs.
• Seizures related to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). LGS may cause different types of seizures. The condition is a rare form of severe epilepsy that often begins in childhood. People with LGS may also have problems with learning, memory, thinking, attention, and development. For treating LGS, Trokendi XR is used with other epilepsy drugs.

Frequently asked questions about Trokendi XR

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Trokendi XR.

Is Trokendi XR a narcotic?

No, Trokendi XR isn’t a narcotic.

“Narcotic” usually refers to opioid drugs. This includes prescription opioids, such as oxycodone (OxyContin, Xtampza ER) and hydrocodone (Hysingla ER). But “narcotic” can also refer to illegal opioids, such as heroin.

Trokendi XR isn’t an opioid. Instead, it belongs to a group of drugs called anticonvulsants.

Is Trokendi XR classified as a controlled substance?

No, Trokendi XR is not classified as a controlled substance.

Controlled substances are drugs with a high risk of misuse or dependence. (Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. Dependence happens when your body needs a drug to feel comfortable.) Controlled substances are closely regulated by the government because of these risks.

But Trokendi XR isn’t known to cause misuse or dependence, so it’s not a controlled substance.

How does Trokendi XR work? What’s its half-life?

Trokendi XR belongs to a group of drugs called anticonvulsants. Trokendi XR is used to help prevent migraine episodes and to treat epilepsy.

Both migraine and seizures that occur with epilepsy may be caused by electrical activity in the brain. It isn’t known exactly how Trokendi XR works to treat these conditions. But it’s thought that the drug affects electrical activity in the brain, which may reduce the number of migraine episodes or seizures you have.

The half-life of Trokendi XR is about 31 hours. This means it takes about 31 hours for your body to get rid of half of a dose of Trokendi XR.

If you have other questions about how Trokendi works or how long it stays in your body, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Trokendi XR be used for weight loss?

It’s possible. Trokendi XR is not approved to be used for weight loss, but it may be used off-label for this use. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Taking Trokendi XR may lead to weight loss. This was a common side effect in studies of the drug.

Keep in mind that Trokendi XR may cause loss of appetite and problems with digestion, such as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain. These side effects could cause you to eat less, which may lead to some weight loss.

If you’re concerned about weight loss while taking Trokendi XR, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways for you to maintain a healthy weight.

Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Trokendi XR?

No, you shouldn’t have withdrawal symptoms when stopping your Trokendi XR treatment. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen after you stop taking a drug.) Withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported in studies of Trokendi XR.

But after you stop taking Trokendi XR, the symptoms of the condition you were taking it for may come back. This means you may have migraine episodes or seizures more often, or they may be more severe than usual. And if you’re taking Trokendi XR for epilepsy, suddenly stopping the drug could cause seizures.

For these reasons, you should not stop taking Trokendi XR unless your doctor tells you it’s safe to do so. If they tell you it’s safe, your doctor will likely lower your dose slowly over time. This reduces your risk of continued or worsening seizures after you stop taking Trokendi XR.

Does Trokendi XR cause you to feel ‘high’?

No, Trokendi XR likely won’t cause you to feel “high” (euphoric). This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug.

If you’re concerned about how Trokendi XR will affect you, talk with your doctor.