Sodium Valproate

When should one not use Sodium Valproate

• If you are allergic to Sodium Valproate or any other ingredients of Sodium Valproate.
• If you or any of your family members have a history of liver problems.
• If you are suffering from a condition called urea cycle disorder.
• If you have porphyria (a rare inherited metabolic disorder).
• If you are suffering from a mitochondrial disorder (a genetic disorder).
• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain, diarrhoea, indigestion
• Tremor (shakiness)
• Tiredness, weakness
• Sleepiness
• Confusion, aggression, agitation, altered attention
• Hallucinations, anxiety
• Weight gain
• Anaemia
• Skin rashes, swelling, hair loss
• Menstrual cramps
• Double vision
• Blood disorders like low platelet count

Other General Warnings

• You have suicidal thoughts, unusual changes in your mood or behaviour, worsening depression. Immediately contact your doctor.
• Your convulsions have worsened.
• You have diabetes.
• You have gained a lot of weight.
• You have problems with your liver or kidneys. You are suffering from problems in the pancreas like swelling or inflammation.
• You are suffering from a brain disease or any other metabolic condition that is affecting your brain.
• You suffer from a condition known as urea cycle disorder.
• You are suffering from a long-term autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• You suffer from any mitochondrial disorder.
• You notice any serious allergic reaction or unwanted side effects after taking Sodium Valproate. Please contact your doctor or visit a nearby hospital immediately.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Sodium Valproate may interact with other medicines, discuss with your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbal preparations you are taking. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or any vaccination scheduled.
• Concomitant use of Sodium Valproate along with medicines like aspirin (pain killers), phenobarbital, carbamazepine (used in fits) may enhance your chances of having side effects.
• Use of medicines like warfarin (blood thinners), zidovudine (used in HIV infection), temozolomide (used in cancer), selegiline, diazepam, quetiapine (used to treat your mental health), propofol (used for anaesthesia) along with Sodium Valproate may increase their effects.
• Concomitant use along with medicines like chloroquine (used in malaria), cimetidine (used in stomach ulcers), ritonavir (used in HIV infection), rifampicin, meropenem (antibiotics), cholestyramine (used to lower cholesterol) may alter the way this medicine works.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose