Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
About Sodium Valproate+valproic Acid
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
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.
