Sodium Valproate
Description
Sodium Valproate is an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures and migraine headaches. Take this medicine at the same time regularly. Do not take this medicine if you have are suffering from impaired liver function.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Sodium Valproate
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Body pain
- Skin rash
- Sneezing
- Dry or scaly skin
Uses of Sodium Valproate
What is it prescribed for?
- Epilepsy
- Mania
- Migraine Prophylaxis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 2 hours.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 24 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is recommended only if clearly needed when no safer alternative is available. Monitoring of undesired effects like discoloration of eyes and skin is necessary.
Allergy
Do not take this medicine if you have a known allergy to Sodium Valproate.
Liver disease
Do not take if you have any liver injury or a family history of liver injury.
Urea cycle disorders
Do not use in patients with urea cycle disorder (high ammonium levels in the blood) or family history of urea cycle disorder.
Mitochondrial disorders
Do not use in patients and in children who are suspected to have the mitochondrial disorder (POLG e.g Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome).
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is recommended only if clearly needed when no safer alternative is available. Monitoring of undesired effects like discoloration of eyes and skin is necessary.
General warnings
Pancreatitis
Sodium Valproate may cause Pancreatitis which is a serious life-threatening reaction. Discontinue the medicine if Pancreatitis is detected and an alternate medicine should be considered.
Bleeding disorder
Use with caution in patients with the bleeding disorder as it may cause Thrombocytopenia. Make necessary dosage adjustments or discontinue the medicine if this condition is identified.
Pediatric use
Sodium Valproate is not recommended in children less than 2 years of age due to the increased risk of liver injury.
Impaired liver function
This medicine is not recommended in patients with liver injury or a family history of liver injury.
Impaired kidney function
Use with caution in the patients with the kidney injury. Suitable dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Sodium Valproate, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Use of Anticonvulsants with alcohol will increase the central nervous system and respiratory system depression.
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
Interaction with Medicine
Lamotrigine
Metoclopramide
Warfarin
Ethinyl Estradiol
Imipenem
Disease interactions
Depression
Sodium Valproate should be given with caution in the patients with depression and suicidal thoughts. Frequent monitoring of depression symptoms is necessary. Dose adjustments are to be made based on the outcomes in the patient.
Liver Disease
Sodium Valproate is not recommended in patients with liver injury or a family history of liver injury. This risk is more in children less than 2 years of age. Liver function tests are to be performed before starting the treatment. Discontinue the medicine if any abnormality is identified.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Sodium Valproate with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor as it may cause seizures.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by binding to the receptors in the brain and inhibits the excitation of brain cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anticonvulsants
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 9 April 2017]. Available from:
Valproic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 9 April 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - valproate sodium injection [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 9 April 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 9 April 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 9 April 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 16 Nov 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.