Sodium Valproate

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Sodium Valproate is an anti-epileptic drug that is mainly used to treat epilepsy (repeated seizures) in adults and children. Epilepsy is caused when uncontrolled electrical activity occurs in the brain. By increasing the production of a certain natural substance in the brain, Sodium Valproate stabilizes (calms) abnormally high electrical activity in the brain and thus helps treat various types of epilepsy, including generalized epilepsy and partial epilepsy.

Sodium Valproate may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

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What is Sodium Valproate used for?

Sodium Valproate is an anti-epileptic drug that is mainly used to treat epilepsy (repeated seizures) in adults and children. Epilepsy is caused when uncontrolled electrical activity occurs in the brain. By increasing the production of a certain natural substance in the brain, Sodium Valproate stabilizes (calms) abnormally high electrical activity in the brain and thus helps treat various types of epilepsy, including generalized epilepsy and partial epilepsy. Sodium Valproate belongs to a group of medicines called anti-convulsants (or anti-epileptic agents).

Sodium Valproate may also be used as a mood stabilizer to treat manic or mixed episodes in people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder). Sodium Valproate is used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Sodium Valproate may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is the recommended dosage of Sodium Valproate?

The dosage of Sodium Valproate prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician’s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label.

Take Sodium Valproate tablet by mouth. You may take the Sodium Valproate tablet with food to prevent stomach upset.

Do not suddenly stop taking Sodium Valproate medicine, as your symptoms may become severe, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

What if you miss a dose of Sodium Valproate?

If your physician has instructed or directed you to take Sodium Valproate medication in a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses to catch up for the missed dose.

What if you overdose on Sodium Valproate?

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Sodium Valproate, seek medical attention immediately.

Overdose symptoms of Sodium Valproate may include irregular heartbeat, dizziness, sleepiness, breathing problems and coma.

What other drug(s) could interact with Sodium Valproate?

It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Sodium Valproate.

Sodium Valproate can interact with the following types of medicines: other seizure medications, blood thinners, HIV medications, certain antidepressants, sedatives, cancer medications, certain benzodiazepines, mental illness medications, malaria medications, cholesterol medications and certain antibiotics.

Usually drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications (over-the-counter products) and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals and herbal, which may increase the effect of Sodium Valproate, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions

Do let your doctor know if you smoke, consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or use illegal drugs as these may interfere with the action of your medication. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, or any family history of medical problems. Do not start or stop using any medicine without consulting your doctor.

What are the side effects of Sodium Valproate?

Like other medicines, Sodium Valproate can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Sodium Valproate are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.

It is pertinent to note that side effects of Sodium Valproate cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Sodium Valproate develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.

Sodium Valproate can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, liver problems, hair loss, weight gain, shakiness, change in appetite, mood swings, blurred/double vision, ringing in the ears and low platelet levels. This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Sodium Valproate.

What are the questions to ask your doctor before taking Sodium Valproate?

Is it possible for me to take Sodium Valproate with other drugs?
Should certain beverages, foods and other products be avoided when I take Sodium Valproate?
What are the possible drug interactions of Sodium Valproate?
How will Sodium Valproate work in my body?
How should Sodium Valproate be taken?
How to reduce the risk of Sodium Valproate drug interactions and side effects?

What other important information should you know about Sodium Valproate?

  • Sodium Valproate is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
  • Limit alcoholic beverages while taking Sodium Valproate medicine.
  • Sodium Valproate may cause dizziness/drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any activities that require alertness until you are certain you can perform such tasks safely.

 

Before taking Sodium Valproate, make sure to tell your doctor if you have

  • liver disorder
  • kidney disorder
  • diabetes
  • porphyria (a rare inherited blood disorder)
  • urea cycle disorder (or a family history of urea cycle disorder)
  • Alpers–Huttenlocher syndrome (metabolic disorder)
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (immune disorder)
  • blood clotting disorder
  • brain disease.
  • Keep Sodium Valproate medicine out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a dry, cool place, away from direct light and heat.

Disclaimer

The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacists or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of Sodium Valproate is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.