Sodium Valproate
Introduction To Sodium Valproate
Sodium Valproate is used for the treatment of epilepsy (seizures). It controls seizures by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Sodium Valproate is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. You should never skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better as stopping the medication without talking to the doctor may cause non-stop seizures and can endanger life. Be careful if you are using birth control pills as this medicine may interfere with the working of contraceptives.
Common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness, constipation, and weight gain among others. Most side effects wear off, but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. Long-term treatment can cause weakness in your bones (osteoporosis), increasing your risk of breaking a bone.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, meningitis or depression, or suicidal thoughts. Also let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are using as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this medicine can be taken if clearly needed but the dose may be adjusted. You may need frequent blood tests to check how you are responding to this medicine.
Uses of Sodium Valproate
- Epilepsy/Seizures
Benefits of Sodium Valproate
Epilepsy/Seizures
Sodium Valproate is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by
decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the
frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with
more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable
jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence
(addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It is given by your
healthcare provider and should not be self-administered. It must be taken
regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.
Side effects of Sodium Valproate
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Neoprate
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Tremors
- Double vision
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Increased appetite
How to use Sodium Valproate
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
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.
Quick tips
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Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
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Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
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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.
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It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
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Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
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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.
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Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
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Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Sodium Valproate if I’m pregnant?
Sodium Valproate is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Sodium Valproate if I’m breastfeeding?
Sodium Valproate is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. Monitor the baby for unusual bruising or bleeding, jaundice and other signs of liver damage.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Sodium Valproate safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Sodium Valproate.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Sodium Valproate?
Sodium Valproate may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Sodium Valproate if I have/had kidney diseases?
Sodium Valproate is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Sodium Valproate may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Sodium Valproate if I have/had liver diseases?
Sodium Valproate should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Sodium Valproate may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Sodium Valproate is not recommended in patients with the severe liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How is Sodium Valproate administered?
Sodium Valproate is administered by or under the supervision of a healthcare professional or a doctor and should never be self-administered. It may be given slowly into a vein (intravenously) or by infusion using a separate intravenous line in normal saline, dextrose 5%, or dextrose saline. The dose depends on the individual’s age and body weight. Each vial of Sodium Valproate is for single-dose injection only and should be discarded after use.
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.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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