Sodium Valproate
About Sodium Valproate
Sodium Valproate belongs to the group of medicines called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits. Additionally, Sodium Valproate is also used to treat bipolar disorder and prevent symptoms of migraine (like a headache). Epilepsy is a sudden rush of electricity in the brain. In epilepsy, the brain's electrical rhythms become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures, sometimes leading to an unconscious state.
Sodium Valproate contains 'Sodium valproate', which decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. Thereby helps in controlling seizures. Sodium Valproate 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.
You can take Sodium Valproate with or without food. You are advised to take Sodium Valproate 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 stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tremors, tiredness, sleepiness, headache, weight gain, and hair loss. 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 Sodium Valproate without consulting your doctor to avoid worsening of seizures. Contact your doctor if your child gets her first-period whilst on treatment with Sodium Valproate. Do not take Sodium Valproate 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. Consult your doctor before taking Sodium Valproate if you are breastfeeding. Do not drive or operate machinery as Sodium Valproate may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Sodium Valproate as it could lead to increased dizziness and sleepiness.
Uses of Sodium Valproate
Medicinal Benefits
Sodium Valproate belongs to a group of anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics used to treat epilepsy (fits). Additionally, Sodium Valproate is also used to treat bipolar disorder and prevent migraine headaches. Sodium Valproate decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby controlling seizures. Sodium Valproate is used to treat both localized (seizures which affect only a part of the brain) and generalized seizures (seizures which affect the entire brain).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sodium Valproate
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Tremors
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
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 impulses that affect an individual's consciousness, movements or sensations. Seizures are of two types: generalized and partial seizures. Generalized 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.
Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression or bipolar disease, is a mental health disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from manic highs to depressive lows.
FAQs
Sodium Valproate decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. It balances the brain's chemical messenger and prevents overactivity of the brain, thereby controlling seizures episodes.
Sodium Valproate 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.
Sodium Valproate limits the transmission of nerve pain, thereby prevents migraine headache. Migraine is a neurological condition which is characterized by intense headaches.
Do not discontinue Sodium Valproate without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Sodium Valproate for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Sodium Valproate; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid worsening of seizures.
Birth-control pills like oestrogen-containing products may affect the way Sodium Valproate works. It is better to consult the doctor if you are using birth control pills to avoid pregnancy.
Sodium Valproate may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Maintain a healthy weight by following a proper diet and exercising regularly.
Sodium Valproate might cause fertility issues in both men and women. However, it can be reversible upon discontinuation of Sodium Valproate. In rare cases, Sodium Valproate can be a contributing factor in male infertility.
Limit caffeine intake, avoid smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drink water regularly, and chew sugar-free gum/candy might prevent dry mouth.
Sodium Valproate may change the results of liver enzymes, and urine and blood tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Sodium Valproate.
