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SODIUM VALPROATE

About Sodium Valproate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antiepileptics. Sodium Valproate controls the convulsions (fits or seizures) in some forms of epilepsy by reducing the activity in the brain. Sodium Valproate is also helpful in preventing absence seizures (where people appear to 'switch off' for short periods of time).

Sodium Valproate is also used in treatment of psychiatric disorders like Manic Episode, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Sodium Valproate is available in plain or enteric coated tablet and injection form.

Before Taking Sodium Valproate

BEFORE TAKING SODIUM VALPROATE MAKE SURE YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST KNOWS:

➙ If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding,

➙ If you or anyone in your family has ever suffered from liver problems,

➙ If you suffer from kidney problems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Diabetes,

➙ If you suffer from Porphyria (a blood disorder),

➙ If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine,

➙ If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to Take Sodium Valproate

➙ Take Sodium Valproate exactly as directed by your doctor.

➙ Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

➙ Do not stop taking Sodium Valproate without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce the dose you are taking gradually.

➙ Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as the enteric coated tablets. Take them at least one hour before or one hour after a dose of Sodium Valproate.

➙ Sodium Valproate enteric coated and modified release tablets must be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

➙ Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Sodium Valproate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

➙ Sodium Valproate is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Advice for women

➙ Women who can become pregnant should not start treatment with Sodium Valproate without specialist advice.

➙ Women who are already taking Sodium Valproate and are planning a family or have an unplanned pregnancy should get specialist advice concerning the risk of harm to the unborn child.

➙ If the decision is made to use Sodium Valproate treatment during pregnancy it is best used on its own and not in combination with other antiepileptics. The specialist will review your treatment and dosage requirements and monitor your progress.

➙ Women who are planning a family should seek advice about folic acid supplements before stopping contraception.

Getting the most from your treatment

➙ If you have Diabetes: Sodium Valproate can affect the results of your urine tests and you may need to carry out blood tests instead.

➙ Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Sodium Valproate

Can Sodium Valproate cause problems ?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Tummy upset, feeling sick, unsteadiness, shakiness, confusion, increased appetite and weight gain, water retention (e.g. swollen ankles), thinning of the hair, skin rashes, irregular periods or none at all.

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), severe vomiting (being sick), stomach pain, loss of appetite, drowsiness and seizures (fits) or if you experience fever (high temperature), a sore throat, mouth ulcers or unusual bruising or bleeding contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

The strict definition of PTSD is that the trauma you had or witnessed must be severe. For example: a severe accident, rape, a life-threatening assault, torture, seeing someone killed, etc. However, symptoms similar to PTSD develop in some people after less severe traumatic events.

It is estimated that up to 1 in 10 people may develop PTSD at some stage in life. It is much more common in certain groups of people.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Sodium Valproate :-

➙ Keep out of reach of children.

➙ Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.

➙ Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

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