Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
About
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid belongs to a group of medicines called 'anticonvulsants' or 'anti-epileptics' primarily used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits. Additionally, Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is also used to treat mood disorders and migraine. Epilepsy is a sudden rush of electricity in the brain. In patients with seizures, the typical brain electrical pattern is disrupted by sudden bursts of electrical impulse that affect an individual's consciousness, movements or sensations.
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is a combination of two drugs, namely: Sodium valproate and Valproic acid. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid works by decreasing the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. Thereby helps in controlling seizures. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid increases the amount of a chemical substance called GABA, this helps block the nerve transmission across the brain and provides a calming effect.
You are advised to take Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, sleepiness, drowsiness, impaired coordination, apathy (lack of interest), irregular periods and weight gain. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Do not take Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you are pregnant, as it could cause serious congenital disabilities. If you are of child-bearing age, use effective contraception while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid. Consult your doctor before taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you are breastfeeding. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid causes drowsiness and dizziness, so avoid driving unless you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid as it could lead to an increased risk of seizures. Care should be taken while giving Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid to children below 3 years as there is a higher risk of liver intoxication during the first 6 months of treatment.
Uses of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is a combination of two drugs, namely: Sodium valproate and Valproic acid. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits, mood disorders and to prevent migraine headaches. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby controlling seizures. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is used to treat certain forms of epilepsy such as petit mal epilepsy (short-term unconsciousness due to disorder in the brain), myoclonic seizures (sudden muscle contractions) and grand mal epilepsy (severe muscle contractions which lead to unconsciousness). Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid may also be used to treat epilepsy which does not sufficiently respond to other anticonvulsant drugs, such as epilepsy which is not associated with movements and epilepsy with symptoms affecting perception and deliberate movements. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid is used to treat both partial seizures (affects only a part of the brain) and generalised seizures (affects the entire brain).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Sleepiness
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Apathy (lack of interest)
- Hair loss
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have/ had liver problems, porphyria (blood disorder) or if you are susceptible to bleeding. Inform your doctor if you have inflammation-like diseases, bone marrow damage or kidney problems. Talk to your doctor if you experience weakness, loss of appetite, lack of interest, recurrence or worsening of seizures, prolonged bleeding or abdominal pain while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid. Please do not stop taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid without consulting your doctor to avoid the worsening of seizures. Do not take Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you are pregnant, as it could cause serious birth defects. If you are of child-bearing age, use effective contraception while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid. Consult your doctor before taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid if you are breastfeeding. Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid causes drowsiness and dizziness, so avoid driving unless you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid as it could lead to increased risk of seizures. Care should be taken while giving Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid to children below 3 years as there is a higher risk of liver intoxication during the first 6 months of treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid may interact with pain killers (aspirin), anti-epileptics (phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, felbamate), anti-HIV (zidovudine), anti-depressant (amitriptyline, sertraline), anti-psychotic (quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone), hormone (levonorgestrel), anti-malarial (mefloquine), antacid (cimetidine), antibiotics (imipenem, meropenem, erythromycin), bile-acid sequestrant (cholestyramine), benzodiazepine (clonazepam, diazepam).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness. Alcohol intake might also provoke seizures.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have depression, liver disease, urea cycle disorders, suicidal tendencies, HIV disease, and thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets).
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
cautionSodium 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
cautionDose 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
- A ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fats) is recommended for children with epilepsy. This diet helps in utilising fat instead of glucose for the generation of energy.
- Atkins diet (high fat and controlled carbohydrates) is recommended for adolescents and adults.
- Exercising regularly helps in maintaining weight and improving overall health.
- Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
- Have a seizure response plan; this helps those around you know what to do.
- Prepare your living area; small changes may help in reducing the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
- Understand what triggers seizures and try reducing or avoiding them.
- Please pay attention to overall health as it can help in reducing seizure activity.
- Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.
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, is a single occurrence of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, whereas epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized 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, 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 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.
