Sodium Valproate
Information about Sodium Valproate
Sodium valproate uses
Sodium Valproate is used in the treatment of epilepsy/seizures, Prevention of migraine and Bipolar disorder.
How sodium valproate works
Sodium 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 sodium valproate
Dizziness, Hair loss, Weight gain, Tremors, Hypersensitivity, Liver injury, Infection, Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets), Pleural effusion, Pancreatic inflammation, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Reduction in bone density, SIADH (water retention due to excessive ADH), Bone marrow failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Rhabdomyolysis, Increased ammonia level in blood
Available Medicine for Sodium Valproate
Expert advice for Sodium 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.
- It may cause cosmetic side effects such as increased hair growth on face, acne and thinning of hair. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you.
- Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Frequently asked questions for Sodium Valproate
Sodium Valproate
Q. For how long should I take Sodium Valproate to cure my epilepsy completely?
Sodium 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 you face any problems while taking this medicine.
Q. What happens if I stop taking Sodium Valproate?
You should not stop taking Sodium 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 Sodium Valproate. Is it because of this medicine? What should I do?
Yes, weight gain can occur with the use of Sodium 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.