VALPROIC ACID
About VALPROIC ACID
VALPROIC ACID belongs to a group of anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits. In addition, VALPROIC ACID also treats manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Besides this, it can also prevent migraine symptoms (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.
VALPROIC ACID contains Valproic acid, which reduces the brain's excessive and aberrant nerve activity. As a result, it aids in the control of seizures. VALPROIC ACID raises the concentration of a chemical molecule known as GABA, which helps to stop nerve communication across the brain and has a calming effect. This contributes to the treatment of bipolar disorder. VALPROIC ACID limits the transmission of nerve pain, thereby preventing migraine headaches.
VALPROIC ACID should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. You may sometimes experience nausea, upset stomach or stomach pain, tremors (shakes), sleepiness, headache, weight gain and thinning hair. Most of these side effects are temporary and will go away on their own. However, if you suffer these adverse effects on a regular basis, you should consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any components present in VALPROIC ACID. If you are pregnant, do not take VALPROIC ACID because it may cause serious congenital defects. Use effective contraception if you are of childbearing age while taking VALPROIC ACID. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking VALPROIC ACID. As VALPROIC ACID causes sleepiness and dizziness, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol with VALPROIC ACID as it may cause dizziness and tiredness. To rule out any negative effects, keep your doctor updated about your health condition and medications.
Uses of VALPROIC ACID
Medicinal Benefits
VALPROIC ACID contains Valproic acid, an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that reduces the brain's excessive and aberrant nerve activity. As a result, it aids in the control of seizures. VALPROIC ACID raises the concentration of a chemical molecule known as GABA, which helps to stop nerve communication across the brain and has a calming effect. This contributes to the treatment of bipolar disorder. VALPROIC ACID limits the transmission of nerve pain, thereby preventing migraine headaches.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of VALPROIC ACID
- Stomach pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Diarrhoea
- Dry or sore mouth or swollen gums
- Shakes (tremors) in a part of your body
- Unusual eye movements
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair, or changes to the colour or texture of your hair
- Irregular or delayed periods
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy: It is a sudden rush of electricity in the brain. It is a nervous system disorder that 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 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 cramps and spasms. More substantial 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. Symptoms of manic episodes include high energy, loss of touch with reality, and reduced need for sleep. Symptoms of depressive episodes include low motivation, low energy, and loss of interest in daily life.
Migraine: Migraine is a neurological condition that is characterized by intense headaches. A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head.
FAQs
VALPROIC ACID decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. Thereby helping in controlling seizures.
VALPROIC ACID helps to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder by increasing the amount of a chemical substance called GABA; this helps block nerve transmission across the brain and provides a calming effect.
VALPROIC ACID limits the transmission of nerve pain, thereby preventing migraine headaches. Migraine is a neurological condition which is characterized by intense headaches.
VALPROIC ACID 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 VALPROIC ACID. Avoid getting pregnant while taking VALPROIC ACID as it could lead to serious birth defects. Do not stop taking VALPROIC ACID and consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
VALPROIC ACID may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Maintain a healthy weight by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
