What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're taking oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) for seizures and need to check that your dose is working as it should. It measures the active metabolite of the medication in your blood to make sure the amount in your body is enough to control seizures but not so much that it causes side effects. It's also useful if you've had a dose change or are experiencing symptoms that might mean your level is too high or too low.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with the normal therapeutic range so you can see exactly where your level falls. If your level is outside the expected range, simple next steps include reviewing your dosing schedule and timing of your last dose, and retesting after any medication adjustment to confirm the change worked. If your level is far above the toxic threshold or you're having severe symptoms like extreme drowsiness or confusion, seek medical care right away. You can download a standard lab report from your account and track your levels over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone currently prescribed oxcarbazepine for seizure control is a good candidate for this test, especially after starting the medication, changing the dose, or adding another anti-seizure drug. People who notice new symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, or unusual tiredness while on this medication may also want to check their levels. Regular monitoring helps confirm the medication is staying in the effective range over time.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs that it may be time to check your level include breakthrough seizures despite taking your medication as prescribed, or new symptoms like severe drowsiness, dizziness, blurred or double vision, nausea, or trouble with coordination. These symptoms can mean your level is too low to control seizures or too high and heading toward toxicity. Testing helps clarify which is happening so you know what to do next.

How can I naturally support healthy seizure control?

While medication levels need to stay consistent, some everyday habits support overall seizure management: keeping a steady sleep schedule, staying well hydrated, and avoiding alcohol, which can interact with anti-seizure medications. Eating meals on a regular schedule can also help keep medication absorption more consistent. These habits don't replace your prescribed dose but can support more stable results over time.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they'll be posted directly to your secure online account, where you can view your metabolite level compared to the therapeutic range. You'll be able to download the full report or check back anytime through the trends feature.

What is 10-OH-carbazepine and why does it matter?

10-OH-carbazepine is the active substance your body makes after breaking down oxcarbazepine, and it's actually what does the work of controlling seizures. Doctors consider levels between 15 and 35 ug/mL to be the therapeutic range where the medication works well without causing toxic effects. Because everyone processes medication a little differently, measuring this metabolite directly gives a much clearer picture than just going by the prescribed dose.

What does a high metabolite level mean?

A level above 35 ug/mL is considered high and can be linked to side effects like severe drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, or trouble with balance and coordination. This can happen if the dose is too high for your body, if you've taken more than prescribed, or if something is slowing down how your body clears the medication, such as reduced kidney function. If you notice these symptoms along with a high result, seek medical care promptly.

What does a low metabolite level mean?

A level below 15 ug/mL may mean the medication isn't reaching a strong enough concentration to control seizures effectively. This can happen if a dose was missed, taken inconsistently, or if the prescribed amount simply isn't high enough for your body's needs. A low result paired with breakthrough seizures is a sign that the dosing plan may need to be reevaluated.

How often should I retest?

Retesting is commonly done after starting the medication, after any dose change, or if new symptoms appear. Some people also retest periodically to confirm their level stays steady over the long term, especially if other medications or health conditions change. Using the trends feature lets you see how your levels shift over time and catch any drift outside the therapeutic range early.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Oxcarbazepine Metabolite Test - Seizure Medication Monitoring

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Oxcarbazepine Metabolite Blood Test for Seizure Medication Levels