Valproic Acid (Sodium Valproate)

When should one not use Valproic Acid (Sodium Valproate)

• If you are allergic to Valproic Acid (Sodium Valproate) or any ingredients present along with it.
• If you have or had acute or chronic hepatitis or have a family history of severe hepatitis, especially medicine related.
• If you have a history of liver damage or liver failure.
• If you have a history of pancreatitis or damage to the pancreas.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• If you have certain disorders that affect metabolism.
• If you have conditions that affect the processing of urea (metabolic waste) in the body.
• Valproic Acid (Sodium Valproate) is not meant for children below 3 years of age.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Headache
• Tremors of hands and feet
• Involuntary eye movement
• Dizziness
• Memory impairment
• Nausea

Other General Warnings

• You have or had a liver disease/failure or a recent liver transplant.
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or a nursing mother.
• You have any pre-existing medical conditions like pancreas, liver or kidney diseases or any kind of blood-related disorder.
• You are giving this to children below 3 years.
• You experience any sudden changes in mood, sad thoughts, changes in thinking and decision making.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Certain medicines can affect the way Valproic Acid (Sodium Valproate) works if taken at the same time. 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 vaccination schedule.
• Especially if you are already taking any other anti-epileptic medicines like phenytoin, anti-migraine medicines, antidepressants, pain killers, immunomodulatory medicines, contraceptives, etc.
• Use of medicines like warfarin (blood thinners), zidovudine (used in HIV infection), anti-cancer medicines, selegiline, diazepam, quetiapine (used to treat your mental health), propofol (used for anaesthesia) along with Valproic Acid (Sodium Valproate) may increase their effects.
• Concomitant use along with medicines like chloroquine (used in malaria), cimetidine (used in stomach ulcers), rifampicin, meropenem (antibiotics), cholestyramine (used to lower cholesterol) may alter the way this medicine works.

Overdose

Missed a Dose