Magnesium Valproate

Information about Magnesium Valproate

Magnesium valproate uses

Magnesium Valproate is used in the treatment of epilepsy/seizures, Prevention of migraine and Bipolar disorder.

How magnesium valproate works

Magnesium Valproate is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Common side effects of magnesium valproate

Headache, Dizziness, Blurred vision, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Vomiting, Sleepiness, Hair loss, Weight gain, Double vision, Diarrhea, Impaired coordination, Tremors, Weakness, Stomach pain, Increased appetite

Available Medicine for Magnesium Valproate

  • ₹42 to ₹155
    Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
    8 variant(s)
  • ₹70 to ₹142
    Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    4 variant(s)
  • ₹36 to ₹68
    D D Pharmaceuticals
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹45 to ₹150
    Ryon Pharma
    5 variant(s)

Expert advice for Magnesium Valproate

  • Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
  • Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
  • Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
    • Practice yoga every day.
    • Get enough sleep at nighttime.
    • Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
    • Take your medication on time.
  • It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
  • Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
  • Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Frequently asked questions for Magnesium Valproate

Magnesium Valproate

Q. For how long should I take Magnesium Valproate to cure my epilepsy completely?
Magnesium Valproate does not cure your condition, it only prevents the seizures from occurring. Therefore, you will have to keep on taking it, maybe for years. Consult your doctor if face any problems while taking this medicine.
Q. What happens if I stop taking Magnesium Valproate?
You should not stop taking Magnesium Valproate suddenly. It should be discontinued gradually. Stopping it suddenly may increase the chances of recurrence of seizures. Always consult your doctor if you feel the need to stop taking this medicine.
Q. I have gained weight after I started using Magnesium Valproate. Is it because of this medicine? What should I do?
Yes, weight gain can occur with the use of Magnesium Valproate. To control your weight, you should have a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have any other concerns.
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Q. Can I take birth control pills while taking Magnesium Valproate?
Yes, Magnesium Valproate does not have any effect on the working of birth control pills. However, contraceptives (birth control pills) may interfere with the working of Magnesium Valproate and seizures may occur. It is important that you inform your doctor that you are using birth control pills. Your doctor will keep a track on your response to the treatment and monitor the Magnesium Valproate levels in your blood levels.
Q. Is it safe to take Magnesium Valproate for long term?
Many patients can safely take Magnesium Valproate for a long time. Rarely, long-term use of Magnesium Valproate may weaken your bones, thereby increasing their chances of breaking easily (osteoporosis and osteopenia). If you are taking Magnesium Valproate for a long time, get regular check ups done for bone health.
Q. I am concerned because I have heard that Magnesium Valproate causes hair loss. Is it true?
Magnesium Valproate may cause thinning of hair, change of hair colour and even hair loss. If you are concerned talk to your doctor if it is possible to reduce the dose of Magnesium Valproate. Your hair may regrow after either reducing your dose or switching to a different medicine.

Content on this page was last updated on 18 February, 2020, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)