Comprehensive medication guide to Oxtellar XR including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$100 copay with commercial insurance; Supernus co-pay savings card can reduce out-of-pocket costs by up to $250 per fill for eligible commercially insured patients; prior authorization may be required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$512–$1,286 retail for brand Oxtellar XR per month; as low as $233–$378 with SingleCare or GoodRx discount cards for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
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Oxtellar XR is a brand-name extended-release anticonvulsant medication containing oxcarbazepine, manufactured by Supernus Pharmaceuticals. It is FDA-approved as adjunctive (add-on) therapy for partial-onset seizures (also called focal seizures) in adults and children aged 6 years and older.
Unlike its immediate-release counterpart Trileptal (oxcarbazepine IR), which is taken twice daily, Oxtellar XR uses matrix delivery technology to release oxcarbazepine gradually over 24 hours — allowing once-daily dosing and producing lower peak blood levels of the active metabolite (MHD). It comes as extended-release tablets in 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg strengths.
Oxtellar XR is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance and can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider, including neurologists, PCPs, NPs, and PAs.
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After ingestion, Oxtellar XR is rapidly converted by the liver to its active metabolite, 10-monohydroxyderivative (MHD). MHD is the pharmacologically active form that exerts the antiseizure effect. It works primarily by blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels in overexcited neurons — stabilizing neural membranes and preventing the rapid, repetitive firing of neurons that causes seizures.
In addition to sodium channel blockade, Oxtellar XR also increases potassium conductance (which has a calming effect on neuronal activity) and modulates high-voltage activated calcium channels. Together, these mechanisms reduce the initiation and spread of partial-onset seizures through brain tissue.
The extended-release formulation delivers oxcarbazepine slowly throughout the day, producing more consistent MHD blood levels with lower peaks compared to immediate-release oxcarbazepine. This pharmacokinetic profile may reduce peak-concentration side effects such as dizziness and double vision that some patients experience with the twice-daily IR formulation.
150 mg — extended-release tablet
Starting/titration dose; less commonly stocked at retail pharmacies
300 mg — extended-release tablet
Common intermediate maintenance dose
600 mg — extended-release tablet
Common maintenance dose; widely used for adult dosing
Oxtellar XR is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list as of 2026. Supernus Pharmaceuticals continues to manufacture and distribute all three strengths (150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg extended-release tablets). However, many patients report difficulty locating it at their local pharmacy.
The primary availability challenges are pharmacy stocking practices (many retail pharmacies don't stock specialty brand-name anticonvulsants routinely), insurance routing requirements (some plans require specialty pharmacy channels), and prior authorization delays. Oxtellar XR receives a findability score of 72 out of 100 — generally available but may require effort to locate at retail pharmacies.
If you're having trouble finding Oxtellar XR, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have Oxtellar XR in stock for your prescription. You provide your medication, dosage, and ZIP code — medfinder does the calling and texts you results.
Oxtellar XR is not a DEA-controlled substance, so any licensed prescriber with authority to prescribe non-controlled medications can write a prescription. There are no special DEA requirements, REMS programs, or prescriber certifications required for Oxtellar XR.
Telehealth prescribing is available for established epilepsy patients in most states. New-onset seizures typically require in-person evaluation including neurological exam, EEG, and brain imaging before initiating antiepileptic therapy.
No. Oxtellar XR (oxcarbazepine extended-release) is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It has no recognized abuse potential and is not subject to DEA prescribing restrictions, quantity limits, or the special prescription requirements that apply to Schedule II–V medications.
Because it is not controlled, Oxtellar XR can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber (including NPs and PAs operating within their scope of practice), can be refilled without new written prescriptions in most states, and can be prescribed via telehealth without the special requirements that apply to controlled substances. Patients do not need to bring a physical prescription to the pharmacy in most states.
The most commonly reported side effects from Oxtellar XR clinical trials include:
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Trileptal (oxcarbazepine IR)
Same active ingredient, twice-daily dosing. Generic widely available at significantly lower cost. Best direct alternative when switching formulations.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
First-line AED for partial seizures. Broad spectrum, inexpensive generic. Requires slow titration to reduce SJS risk. Suitable for long-term use.
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Widely prescribed AED with minimal drug interactions. Inexpensive generic. Can be initiated at therapeutic doses quickly. Watch for behavioral side effects.
Lacosamide (Vimpat)
Newer AED for partial-onset seizures. Well tolerated, IV formulation available. Sodium channel modulator with different mechanism than oxcarbazepine.
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Hormonal contraceptives
majorOxtellar XR significantly reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills, patches, rings, and hormonal injections via CYP3A4 induction. Use non-hormonal contraception.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
moderateStrong CYP3A4 inducer that decreases MHD blood levels, potentially reducing Oxtellar XR efficacy. Also significant cross-hypersensitivity risk.
Phenobarbital
moderateCYP3A4 and UGT inducer that decreases MHD exposure. Oxtellar XR doses may need to be increased.
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
moderateDecreases MHD levels; at high Oxtellar XR doses, oxcarbazepine inhibits CYP2C19 which may increase phenytoin levels. Monitor closely.
Rifampin
moderatePowerful CYP3A4 and UGT inducer that significantly decreases MHD exposure. Dose adjustment of Oxtellar XR required.
Bosutinib
majorCYP3A4 induction by MHD can decrease bosutinib plasma concentrations by approximately 85%. Avoid combination.
Alcohol
moderateMay enhance CNS depression including dizziness, drowsiness, and coordination problems. Limit alcohol use.
Oxtellar XR (extended-release oxcarbazepine) is a well-established antiepileptic drug with an FDA-approved track record for treating partial-onset seizures. Its once-daily dosing, improved tolerability profile compared to immediate-release oxcarbazepine, and broad prescriber availability make it a valuable treatment option for appropriate patients.
The main challenges patients face are cost and pharmacy availability. With a retail price of $500–$1,286 per month, out-of-pocket costs can be prohibitive — but the Supernus co-pay savings card, patient assistance program, and prescription discount cards from GoodRx and SingleCare can significantly reduce what most patients pay. Pharmacy availability varies, but the medication is not in an official shortage.
If you're struggling to find Oxtellar XR at your pharmacy, medfinder can help by calling pharmacies near you to find which ones have your prescription in stock — with results sent directly to your phone.
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