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Sodium Valproate

Information about Sodium Valproate

Sodium Valproate Uses

Sodium Valproate is used in the treatment of epilepsy, epilepsy/seizures, Prevention of migraine, mania, Bipolar disorder, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia and seizures.

How Sodium Valproate works

Sodium Valproate is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Common side effects of Sodium Valproate

Dizziness, Hair loss, Weight gain, Tremors, Hypersensitivity, Liver injury, Infection

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Last updated

03 Dec 2024 | 05:08 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Sodium Valproate

EncorateSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹37 to ₹1477 variant(s)

TorvateTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹30 to ₹795 variant(s)

EpivalSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹40 to ₹1472 variant(s)

NapilexMankind Pharma Ltd

₹64 to ₹702 variant(s)

VikorateKivi Labs Ltd

₹64 to ₹1452 variant(s)

NeoprateNeon Laboratories Ltd

₹29 to ₹312 variant(s)

ValparexTheo Pharma Pvt Ltd

₹34 to ₹1255 variant(s)

ValparNumed

₹701 variant(s)

ValcontinModi Mundi Pharma Pvt Ltd

₹301 variant(s)

Expert advice for Sodium Valproate

Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
It may cause cosmetic side effects such as increased hair growth on face, acne and thinning of hair. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Sodium Valproate helps in the treatment and prevention of seizures.
Take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Sodium Valproate, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Do not take Sodium Valproate if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
It may increase the risk of low sodium levels in the blood. Inform your doctor if you develop difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.

Frequently asked questions for Sodium Valproate

Sodium Valproate

Q. For how long should I take Sodium Valproate to cure my epilepsy completely?

Sodium Valproate does not cure your condition, it only prevents the seizures from occurring. Therefore, you will have to keep on taking it, maybe for years. Consult your doctor if you face any problems while taking this medicine.

Q. What happens if I stop taking Sodium Valproate?

You should not stop taking Sodium Valproate suddenly. It should be discontinued gradually. Stopping it suddenly may increase the chances of recurrence of seizures. Always consult your doctor if you feel the need to stop taking this medicine.

Q. I have gained weight after I started using Sodium Valproate. Is it because of this medicine? What should I do?

Yes, weight gain can occur with the use of Sodium Valproate. To control your weight, you should have a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have any other concerns.

Q. Does Sodium Valproate affect the working of birth control pills?

Yes, Sodium Valproate does not have any effect on the working of birth control pills. However, contraceptives (birth control pills) may interfere with the working of Sodium Valproate and seizures may occur. It is important that you inform your doctor that you are using birth control pills. Your doctor will keep a track on your response to the treatment and monitor the Sodium Valproate levels in your blood levels.

Q. Is it safe to take Sodium Valproate for long term?

Many patients can safely take Sodium Valproate for a long time. Rarely, long-term use of Sodium Valproate may weaken your bones, thereby increasing their chances of breaking easily (osteoporosis and osteopenia). If you are taking Sodium Valproate for a long time, get regular check ups done for bone health.

Q. I am concerned because I have heard that Sodium Valproate causes hair loss. Is it true?

Sodium Valproate may cause thinning of hair, change of hair colour and even hair loss. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor if it is possible to reduce the dose of Sodium Valproate. Your hair may regrow after either reducing your dose or switching to a different medicine.