What is Valproate sodium?
Valproate sodium is used to treat a variety of seizures. It is often combined with other seizure medications.
Valproate sodium can also be used for treating manic episodes due to bipolar disorder (manic depression) and to stop migraine headaches.valproate sodium can be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Valproate sodium
Contact emergency medical assistance when you are experiencing symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives or breathing difficulties and swelling in your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever and burning eyes, sore throat or skin rashes, the skin is red or purple and blisters and peels).
Consult a doctor when you experience a severe reaction to medication that could affect the body in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include an itch on your skin and fever, swelling of the glands, muscle aches, extreme weakness, unusual bruising, or the yellowing of your eyes or skin.
Contact your physician immediately if the patient who is taking valproate sodium has signs of pancreas or liver problems, such as weight loss and stomach pain in the upper part of the stomach (that can be transferred over your entire back) or constant sickness, as well as vomiting and dark urine. Swelling of the face and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Inform your doctor about any new or more severe symptoms, including a change in your mood or behavior, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you experience being uncontrollably angry, irritable, or aggressive.feeling anxious, hyperactive (both mentally and physically), having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself?
Contact your doctor immediately. If you experience any of the following negative side consequences:
- The feeling of fatigue, sleepiness, or coldness changes the state of your mind.
- Simple bleeding, unusual bruises (nose, mouth, gums), and red or purple areas of skin
- Extreme sleepiness and severe drowsiness
- Worsening seizures.
Drowsiness that is severe may be more likely to occur in older adults.
Common adverse effects of valproate sodium can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
- Headache;
- Problems with coordination or walking;
- Blurred vision double vision, blurred vision
- Hair loss;
- Changes in appetite changes in appetite and weight growth.
This list does not constitute an exhaustive list of potential side effects; others could occur. Please consult your physician regarding medical adverse reactions before reporting symptoms to the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Warnings
Valproate sodium can trigger liver failure, which can be fatal, in particular in youngsters under the age of 2 and those with liver issues caused by certain genetic diseases.you shouldn't take valproate sodium if you have liver disease, a urinary cycle disorder, or a genetic condition like alpers-huttenlocher syndrome.
Do not begin and stop using this medication during pregnancy without a doctor's approval. This medicine may affect the unborn baby and cause birth defects, but having a seizure while pregnant can harm both the baby and the mother.do not take valproate sodium to prevent migraine headaches if you're expecting.
Contact your doctor immediately if the patient who is taking this medication shows symptoms of pancreas or liver issues, such as lack of appetite or stomach pain in the upper part of the stomach (that can extend over your entire back). Continuous nausea or vomiting or dark urine, swelling of the face or eyes, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Do not stop taking valproate sodium without your doctor's guidance. If you stop abruptly, it could cause an extremely serious, life-threatening form of seizure.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't take valproate sodium if you are allergic to it or if you suffer from:
- Liver disease;
- A urea cycle disorder;
- Genetic mitochondrial (mye-toe-kon-dree-al) disorders such as alpers' disease or alpers-huttenlocher syndrome should be suspected in children younger than two years.
It can lead to liver damage that can lead to death, particularly in kids less than 2 years old and in those with liver problems caused by a mitochondrial genetic disorder.
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Liver issues caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder
- Depression, mental illness, or suicidal ideas or actions
- An ancestor's history of urea cycle disorder or infant deaths for unknown reasons
- Hiv or cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection
Many young people think about suicide after starting to take valproate sodium. Your doctor should monitor your progress regularly. Family members or other caregivers should be aware of any changes in your symptoms or mood.
Utilizing valproate sodium during pregnancy can increase the risk of serious birth defects that could develop during the pregnancy process, even before you realize you're expecting. Utilizing valproate sodium during pregnancy could affect cognitive capacity (reasoning, thinking, and problem-solving) later on in your child's lifetime. But having an epileptic episode during pregnancy could be detrimental to both the mother and the baby.
If you are taking valproate sodium for seizures or manic episodes, the benefit of being able to prevent these issues could surpass any risk posed by this drug. There are other medicines that are more secure to take during pregnancy. Do not begin or cease taking the medication without consulting your physician.
Do not take valproate sodium to prevent migraine headaches when you are pregnant.
If you're not expecting, you can use birth control to avoid the possibility of pregnancy while using valproate sodium. Tell your doctor when you begin stopping or discontinuing use of hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen (birth control pills, injectable implants, patches for the skin, or vaginal rings). Estrogen may interfere with this medication and make it less effective at stopping seizures.
It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician about any potential risks.
How to take Valproate sodium?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage.be certain to take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
Valproate oral sodium is consumed by mouth. The injection of this medicine is given as an infusion into the veins. Healthcare professionals will administer this injection if they are not able to take the medication via mouth.take plenty of water when you take this medication. The dosage may have to be adjusted when you aren't getting enough fluids every day.
Consume food if this medication causes stomach upset.take measurements of liquid medicines using an appropriate dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you don't have an instrument for measuring doses, request one from your pharmacist. One.take and swallow the capsule intact, and don't crush or chew on it, break it or break it open.
Contact your physician if you find a capsule-like shell in your stool that has not been taken in or melted by the body. The levels in your blood of the acid valproic might need to be examined.it is possible that you will require frequent blood tests.if you are in need of surgery, inform the surgeon in advance that you're making use of valproate sodium.in the event of an emergency, be sure to wear or carry a medical id to notify others that you are using valproate sodium.
Do not stop taking valproate sodium suddenly, even if you feel good. The sudden stop could trigger an extremely serious, life-threatening form of seizure. Follow your doctor's advice on increasing your dosage.place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
What happens if i miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if i overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 for support.
What should be avoided?
Drinking alcohol can increase certain adverse effects associated with valproic acid.avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the way valproate sodium affects you. The way you react could be affected.
Interaction with other drugs
There are times when it's not safe to take certain medicines in combination. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which could create side effects or render the drugs less effective.
Numerous drugs can impact valproate. The sodium content of valproate can be affected by many drugs. This includes prescription as well as over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. There are not all the interactions mentioned here. Discuss with your physician all the medications you are currently taking as well as any new medications you are about to start or stop taking.
