What is Valproic acid?
Valproic acid is used for treating a variety of kinds of seizures. Valproic acid may be utilized in conjunction with other seizure medications.
Valproic acid is also utilized for treating manic episodes linked to bipolar disorder (manic depression) as well as migraine headaches.Valproic acid could also be used for other purposes that aren't listed in this guide.
Side effects of Valproic acid
Contact emergency medical assistance when you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and sore throat soreness, burnt eyes, ache, and a red or purple skin eruption with peeling and blisters).
Consult a doctor when you experience a severe drug reaction that could affect the body in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include the following: a skin rash and fever, swelling of glands, muscle aches, extreme weakness, or unusual bruising or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Consult your doctor immediately if the patient taking valproic acid shows symptoms of pancreas or liver issues, such as weight loss or stomach pain (that can extend over your entire back) or ongoing vomiting as well as vomiting and dark urine. You may also notice swelling of the face and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
If you notice any new or deteriorating symptoms, for example, changes in your mood or behavior, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping, or if you experience uncontrollably angry, irritable, aggressive, anxious, or hyperactive (mentally and physically), or are having thoughts about suicide or harming yourself,
Consult your physician immediately if you experience any of these adverse consequences:
- The feeling of fatigue, sleepiness, a cold feeling, vomiting, or a change in your state of mind
- Easily bleeding, bruising (nose, mouth, gums), and red or purple areas of skin
- Extreme tiredness severe drowsiness
- Worsening seizures.
Drooling can be extremely common in older people.
Common side effects of valproic acids can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
- Headache;
- Tremors, issues with coordination or walking;
- Blurred vision double vision, blurred vision
- Hair loss;
- Changes in appetite changes in appetite and weight growth.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Valproic acid is known to cause liver problems that can be fatal, in particular in young children as well as in those suffering from liver issues caused by specific genetic conditions.
Valproic acid if you suffer from an illness of the liver, a urinary cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder like Alpers Huttenlocher or Alpers syndrome.
Do not begin stopping or reducing your intake of this medication during pregnancy without seeking your physician's guidance. This medicine may affect the unborn baby as well as cause birth defects; however, having a seizure during pregnancy can harm both the pregnant mother and the baby.
Do not take valproic acid to stop migraine headaches if you're pregnant.
Contact your doctor immediately if the patient using this medicine shows any symptoms of pancreas or liver issues, such as lack of appetite or stomach pain in the upper part of the stomach (that can be transferred into your lower back). Constant nausea or vomiting, bloody urine, swelling on the face or eyes, as well as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Do not stop taking the acid valproic without your doctor's guidance. If you stop abruptly, it could trigger the most serious, life-threatening kind of seizures.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't take valproic acid if you have an allergy to it or if you suffer from:
- Liver disease;
- A urea cycle disorder;
- Children younger than 2 years may be susceptible to mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KORN-dree-al) disorders like Alpers' disease and Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, both genetic mitochondrial disorders characterized by mitochondrial DNA mutations.
Valproic acid may cause liver damage that can cause death, particularly in kids younger than 2 years old and those with liver issues caused by mitochondrial disorders that are genetic.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Liver issues caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder
- Depressive disorder, mental illnesses, or suicidal ideas or actions;
- An ancestor's history of urea cycle disorder or infant deaths that have no reason; or
- HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection
After beginning treatment with Valproic acid, some young people may develop thoughts of suicide. Your doctor should monitor your progress regularly. Your family members and other caregivers should be attentive to any changes in your symptoms or mood.
Utilizing valproic acid in pregnancy could increase the chance of birth defects serious enough to cause concern. These could develop during the course of pregnancy, even before you recognize that you are expecting. The use of valproic acid in pregnancy can affect cognitive capacity (reasoning, ability to think, and problem-solving) later on in the life of your child. An epileptic episode during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby.
If you are taking valproic acid to treat manic episodes or seizures, the benefit of being able to prevent these issues could outweigh the risks associated with this medication. There are many other medications that are less risky to take during pregnancy. Do not begin and stop using valproic acids without the advice of your physician.Do not take the acid valproic to avoid migraine headaches if you're pregnant or are pregnant.
If you're not pregnant, you can use birth control to avoid the possibility of pregnancy using valproic. Tell your doctor whenever you begin or stop using hormonal contraception that has estrogen (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, or vaginal rings). Estrogen is known to interact with valproic acids, which makes it less effective at stopping seizures.
It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician regarding any risks.
How to take Valproic acid?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and go through all medication guides or instructions. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Follow the medication precisely as directed.Valproic acid is consumed through the mouth. Valproic acid injections are administered as an injection into the vein. The healthcare professional will administer the injection if you're not able to take the medication through the mouth.
Take plenty of water when you take this medication. The dose could need to be adjusted when you aren't getting enough fluids every day.Consume food if this medicine causes stomach upset.Measure the liquid dosage 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 the capsule intact, and don't crush, chew, break, or even open it.Contact your physician if you find a capsule-like shell in your stool that has not been absorbed or melting in your body. The levels in your blood of valproic acid might require checking.It is possible that you will require frequent blood tests.If you require surgery, be sure to inform your surgeon in advance that you're using valproic acid.
In the event of an emergency Wear or carry medical identification that lets the public know that you're using valproic acid.Don't stop using valproic acid in a sudden manner, even if you are good. A sudden stop can trigger the most serious and life-threatening kinds of seizures. Follow your doctor's advice on the process of tapering your dose.Keep it at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, do not take your missed dosage if you are close to the time of the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek immediate medical attention or reach out to the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance.
What should be avoided?
Drinking alcohol can increase the negative effects of the acid valproic.
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand how valproic acid affects your body. The reactions you have could be impaired.
Interaction with other drugs
It is sometimes not recommended to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.
A variety of drugs can impact valproic acid in a variety of ways. This includes prescription as well as over-the-counter medicine, 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.
