DIVALPROEX SODIUM
About DIVALPROEX SODIUM
DIVALPROEX SODIUM belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits. Additionally, DIVALPROEX SODIUM is also used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine. Epilepsy is a sudden rush of electricity in the brain. In epilepsy the brain's electrical rhythms become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures.
DIVALPROEX SODIUM contains 'Divalproex sodium', which decreases the brain's excessive and abnormal nerve activity. Thereby helps in controlling seizures. DIVALPROEX SODIUM increases the amount of a chemical substance called GABA, this helps block the nerve transmission across the brain and provides a calming effect. Thereby helps treat bipolar disorder.
Take DIVALPROEX SODIUM with or without food. You are advised to take DIVALPROEX SODIUM 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 abdominal pain, back pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, and vomiting. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Please do not stop taking DIVALPROEX SODIUM without consulting your doctor to avoid worsening of seizures. Do not take DIVALPROEX SODIUM if you are pregnant as it could cause serious birth defects. If you are of child-bearing age, use effective contraception while taking DIVALPROEX SODIUM. Consult your doctor before taking DIVALPROEX SODIUM if you are breastfeeding. Avoid driving or operating machinery as DIVALPROEX SODIUM causes dizziness, and may affect thinking and motor skills. Avoid consuming alcohol along with DIVALPROEX SODIUM as it could lead to increased dizziness. Care should be taken while giving DIVALPROEX SODIUM to children below 2years as there is a higher risk of liver intoxication during the first 6months of treatment. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of DIVALPROEX SODIUM
Medicinal Benefits
DIVALPROEX SODIUM belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics. DIVALPROEX SODIUM is used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits. Additionally, DIVALPROEX SODIUM is also used to treat mood disorder and to prevent migraine headaches. DIVALPROEX SODIUM decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. Thereby helps in controlling seizures. DIVALPROEX SODIUM treats mood disorder by increasing the amount of a chemical substance called GABA, this helps block the nerve transmission across the brain and provides a calming effect. DIVALPROEX SODIUM prevents migraine headache by limiting the transmission of nerve pain. DIVALPROEX SODIUM is used alone or in combination to treat simple seizures, complex partial seizures and complex absence seizures. DIVALPROEX SODIUM is used in combination to treat multiple seizures such as absence seizures.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of DIVALPROEX SODIUM
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased appetite
- Vomiting
- Vision problems
- Weight changes
- Problems with walking or coordination
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a sudden rush of electricity in the brain. It is a disorder of the nervous system which occurs due to disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain. In epilepsy the brain's electrical rhythms become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures. 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. Seizures are of two types: generalised and partial seizures. Generalised seizures affect the entire brain, whereas partial seizures affect only a part of the brain. Seizures can cause uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Stronger seizures may cause people to become confused or unconscious. Possible causes include high fever, trauma, genetic disorder, brain injury or stroke.
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 characterized by intense headaches. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
FAQs
DIVALPROEX SODIUM decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. Thereby helps in controlling seizures.
DIVALPROEX SODIUM helps to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder by increasing the amount of a chemical substance called GABA, this helps in blocking the nerve transmission across the brain and provides a calming effect.
DIVALPROEX SODIUM limits the transmission of nerve pain, thereby prevents migraine headache. Migraine is a neurological condition which is characterized by intense headaches.
Do not discontinue DIVALPROEX SODIUM without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually continue taking DIVALPROEX SODIUM for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking DIVALPROEX SODIUM, your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid worsening of seizures.
DIVALPROEX SODIUM may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Maintain a healthy weight by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Use an effective method of contraception during the treatment with DIVALPROEX SODIUM. Avoid getting pregnant while taking DIVALPROEX SODIUM as it could lead to serious birth defects. Do not stop taking DIVALPROEX SODIUM and consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
DIVALPROEX SODIUM 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. Regular monitoring of blood count is advised while taking DIVALPROEX SODIUM.
Topiramate (anticonvulsant) should not be taken along with DIVALPROEX SODIUM as it may cause hyperammonemia (excess ammonia in the blood), hypothermia (low body temperature) and liver problems.
