The dose for children is calculated based on the child's body weight. Usually the doctor will prescribe 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) of Trileptal per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight to start, divided into two doses per day. This dose will be increased over about 2 weeks, up to a dosage of 10-50 mg/kg per day.

Children’s bodies break down Trileptal faster than adults’ bodies do. This means that young children need to take a larger amount, relative to their weight, than adults. They also may need to take the medication more often. By the time children reach their early teens, however, their bodies absorb, digest, and excrete medicines more like adults do, so they may need to take less than before.

If the liquid suspension is used, it is very important to shake the bottle thoroughly immediately before measuring. A child who gets a dose from a bottle that has not just been well shaken may get too much or too little medication.