Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
About Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is a prescription medicine primarily used to treat and control different types of seizures in people with epilepsy. It is also prescribed to manage manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches from starting. It helps stabilise overactive electrical activity in the brain to keep these conditions under control.
For this medicine to work effectively, you must take it consistently at the same times every day. You can take Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid with or without food, but taking it with a meal can help prevent an upset stomach. Making positive lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and managing stress, can further support the success of your treatment.
While taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid, some people may experience mild side effects like drowsiness or temporary hair thinning. However, you must monitor your body closely and contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of serious complications, such as severe upper stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or yellowing of your eyes or skin.
Do not take this if you have active liver disease, a personal or family history of severe liver problems, or genetic mitochondrial disorders. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, or a urea cycle disorder. It is highly important to discuss these conditions to ensure the medicine is safe for you.
This medicine can interact with other substances; for instance, drinking alcohol while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid can lead to extreme drowsiness and increase the strain on your liver. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, you must consult your healthcare provider before taking this medication. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid can cause serious birth defects and developmental disorders in an unborn baby and should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless no suitable alternative treatment is available. Women who can become pregnant should use effective contraception and discuss pregnancy planning with their doctor before starting or continuing treatment.
Uses of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
By helping stabilise brain activity, Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid provides several important benefits that improve long-term symptom control and quality of life, including:
- Reduces Seizure Frequency: Helps prevent seizures, allowing better day-to-day functioning and reducing the risk of seizure-related injuries.
- Supports Mood Stability: Helps control manic episodes and promotes more stable moods in people with bipolar disorder.
- Prevents Migraine Attacks: Reduces the number and severity of migraine episodes, helping minimise disruption to daily activities.
- Promotes Better Quality of Life: Improved control of seizures, mood swings, or migraines helps support a more consistent and independent lifestyle.
- Provides Long-Term Symptom Control: When taken regularly as prescribed, it helps maintain stable brain function and reduces the likelihood of symptom recurrence.
- Convenient Dual-Component Therapy: Combines sodium valproate and valproic acid to provide effective and sustained therapeutic levels for ongoing management of eligible conditions.
Directions for Use
- Take Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid with food to avoid stomach upset or as advised by a doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting, or mild stomach upset
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Temporary thinning of the hair
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, and persistent nausea
- Signs of pancreas inflammation, including severe upper stomach pain that spreads to your back
- Unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or purple spots on your skin
- Severe skin rashes, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- New or worsening depression, anxiety, or thoughts of hurting yourself
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do not stop taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid suddenly, as doing so can trigger continuous, life-threatening seizures.
- If you are of childbearing age, use highly effective birth control, as this medicine can cause severe birth defects in an unborn baby.
- Avoid driving, riding a bike, or operating heavy machinery until you are certain that this medicine does not make you dizzy or sleepy.
- Carry a medical ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet to let emergency responders know you are taking this medication.
- Regular blood tests may be required to monitor your liver function, complete blood count (including platelet levels), and, when appropriate, the level of medicine in your body. Your doctor may also check your blood ammonia level if you develop unexplained drowsiness, vomiting, or confusion during treatment.
Important Warning: This medicine carries a risk of severe liver damage, particularly in children younger than 2 years of age and those taking multiple seizure medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop persistent vomiting, unusual sleepiness, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Drug Interactions
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid can interact with certain medicines, affecting how they work or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines you are taking, including:
- Aspirin: May increase the level of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.
- Other seizure medicines: Medications like carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital can alter how Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is processed, or vice versa.
- Lamotrigine: Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid can significantly increase lamotrigine levels, raising the risk of serious skin reactions and other side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower lamotrigine dose and monitor you closely.
- Carbapenem antibiotics (such as meropenem or imipenem): These antibiotics can rapidly reduce valproate levels in your blood, increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Alternative antibiotics may be recommended whenever possible.
- Blood thinners: Taking this medicine with blood thinners can increase your risk of bleeding or bruising.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid as it may increase the risk of seizures.
Pregnancy
unsafeSodium Valproate+valproic Acid belongs to pregnancy category D. Avoid taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you are pregnant unless prescribed by a doctor, as it could lead to serious birth defects.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorSodium Valproate+valproic Acid may pass into breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeSodium Valproate+valproic Acid causes dizziness, sleepiness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
unsafeSodium Valproate+valproic Acid should not be used if you have liver problems or your family has a history of liver problems. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionSodium Valproate+valproic Acid can be given to children if prescribed by the doctor. The dose will be adjusted by the doctor depending upon the child's body weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can cause severe drowsiness and significantly increases the risk of liver damage.
- Track your symptoms: Keep a daily diary of your seizures, mood changes, or migraine episodes to share with your doctor at your next visit.
- Prioritize sleep: Lack of sleep can trigger seizures and migraines. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night.
- Eat consistent meals: Taking your medicine with food can protect your stomach lining and reduce nausea.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of blood count is advised while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid as it may cause spontaneous bleeding or bruising.
- Inform your doctor that you are taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you are due to have any surgery or dental intervention.
- Consult your doctor if you experience irregular periods while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid.
- If you are of child-bearing age, use effective contraception while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy/Seizures: Seizures, also known as fits or convulsions, are a single occurrence of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, whereas epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. The possible causes of epilepsy include traumatic brain injury, scarring on the brain after a brain injury, high fever, stroke, vascular diseases, lack of oxygen to the brain, brain tumours, and genetic disorders. Symptoms include mood changes, anxiousness, nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, muscle jerking, spasms, loss of balance, teeth clenching, rapid blinking or eye movements, biting the tongue, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Mood disorder: It is a mental health disorder which mainly affects a person's emotional state. A mood disorder is associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from manic highs to depressive lows.
Migraine: Migraine is a neurological condition which is characterised by an intense, debilitating headache. Hormonal changes, stress, lack or excess of sleep, bright lights, loud sounds, and certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches. Symptoms of migraine include throbbing pain in one particular area with varying intensity, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling sensation, difficulty speaking, and sensitivity to sound and light.
FAQs
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is primarily used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits. It is also used to treat mood disorders and migraine.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid increases the amount of a chemical substance called GABA, this helps in blocking the nerve transmission across the brain and provides a calming effect. Thereby helps in controlling seizures.
Do not discontinue Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid worsening of seizures.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid may cause thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets). This might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Be cautious while using sharp objects. Consult your doctor if you notice unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Maintain a healthy weight by following a proper diet and exercising regularly.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid may increase the effect of aspirin when taken together. Please consult your doctor before taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid with aspirin to avoid unpleasant side-effects. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid and aspirin should not be given together to children below 3 years as it could lead to liver intoxication.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid contains sodium valproate and valproic acid as the active ingredients. It is used for the treatment of all types of epilepsy.
Take Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid with or after food as advised by your doctor.
No, Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid does not cause addiction. However, it should be taken as per dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Avoid self-medication as it may have severe unwanted effects.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid does not cure epilepsy, it only prevents the seizures from occurring. Therefore, you may need to continue taking it for years. If you experience any problems while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid has no influence on the working of birth control pills. However, contraceptives (birth control pills) may interfere with the working of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid and seizures may occur. Thus, it is essential to inform your doctor if you are using birth control pills. Your doctor will monitor your response to the treatment and Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid levels in your blood.
Long term use of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is safe for large number of patients. Rarely, using Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid for long term may weaken your bones, thereby increasing their chances of breaking easily (osteopenia and osteoporosis). Get regular check-ups done for bone health if you are taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid for a prolonged time.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid may cause change of hair colour, thinning of hair, and even hair loss. If you have any concerns, discuss with your doctor if it is possible to reduce the dose of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid. Your hair may regrow after either switching to a different medicine or reducing your dose.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, hair loss, weight gain, headache and irregular periods. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
You are recommended to avoid taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you have known hypersensitivity to valproic acid, have liver disease, or are pregnant. It should be used with caution in kidney impairment patients.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid overdose can cause serious symptoms such as metabolic acidosis and deep coma. If you suspect you have taken overdose of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid, seek medical help immediately.
This medicine carries a high risk of causing birth defects and developmental issues in unborn babies. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately about alternative treatments.
Mild sleepiness is common when starting this medicine. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you, and talk to your doctor if the sleepiness does not go away.
No, you should avoid alcohol. Mixing alcohol with this medication can cause extreme drowsiness and put extra stress on your liver. Talk to your doctor for more advice.
Regular blood tests help your doctor monitor your liver function, blood cell counts (including platelets), and, when appropriate, the amount of medicine in your bloodstream. If you develop symptoms such as unexplained drowsiness, vomiting, or confusion, your doctor may also check your blood ammonia level. These tests help ensure the medicine remains both safe and effective.
Yes, increased appetite and weight gain are recognised side effects of this medicine. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage this. Talk to your doctor if weight gain becomes a concern.
No, you should swallow the tablets or capsules whole. Crushing or chewing them can destroy their protective coating, leading to stomach irritation or a bitter taste. Talk to your pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing pills.
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