Valproate sodium

Valproate sodium

What is Valproate Sodium?

Valproate sodium is also used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic depression) and to prevent migraine headaches.

Valproate sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects of valproate sodium

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction(hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat)or a severe skin reaction(Fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical attention if you experience a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body.Symptoms may include: rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle pain, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Call your doctor immediately if the person taking valproate sodium has any signs of liver or pancreas problems.E.g.: loss of appetite, pain in the upper abdomen (which may spread to the back), persistent nausea or vomiting, dark urine, facial swelling, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: B. Mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep problems, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless or hyperactive (mentally or physically). or have thoughts about suicide or self-harm.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these other side effects:

• confusion, tiredness, feeling cold, vomiting, change in your mental status;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth or gums), purple or red dot-like spots under the skin;

• severe drowsiness; or

• worsening seizures.

Severe sleepiness may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of valproate sodium may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;

• dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;

• Headache;

• tremors, problems walking or coordination;

• blurred vision, double vision;

• hair loss; or

• Changes in appetite, weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Valproate sodium can cause liver failure, which can be fatal, especially in children younger than 2 years and people with liver problems caused by certain genetic disorders.

You should not use valproate sodium if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome.

Do not start or stop taking this medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.This medicine may harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects, but a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby.

Do not use valproate sodium to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.

Call your doctor immediately if the person taking this medicine has any signs of liver or pancreas problems.E.g.: loss of appetite, pain in the upper abdomen (which may spread to the back), persistent nausea or vomiting, dark urine, facial swelling, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Do not stop using valproate sodium without your doctor's advice. Sudden stopping can result in a severe, life-threatening seizure.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use valproate sodium if you are allergic to it or if you have:

• liver disease;

• a disruption of the urea cycle; or

• a genetic mitochondrial disorder (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) such as Alpers disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, especially in children under 2 years old.

Valproate sodium can cause liver failure, which can be fatal.especially in children under 2 years old and people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder;

• depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;

• a family history of urea cycle disorder or infant deaths of unknown cause; or

• HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.

Some young people have suicidal thoughts when taking valproate sodium for the first time. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also monitor for mood changes or symptoms.

Using valproate sodium during pregnancy may increase the risk of serious birth defects that may develop early in pregnancy.even before you know you are pregnant. Taking valproate sodium during pregnancy may also affect your child's cognitive abilities (reason, intelligence, problem solving) later in life. However, a seizure during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby.

If you are taking valproate sodium for seizures or manic episodes:The benefits of preventing these conditions may outweigh the risks posed by this medication. There may be other medications that are safer to use during pregnancy.Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.

Do not use valproate sodium to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

If you are not pregnant, use effective birth control while using valproate sodium to prevent pregnancy.Tell your doctor if you start or stop using hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings). Estrogen may interact with this drug and make it less effective in preventing seizures.

Breastfeeding may not be safe while using this medication. Ask your doctor about any risks.

How should I take valproate sodium?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instructions for use. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Valproate sodium oral is taken orally. This drug injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A doctor will give you this injection if you cannot take the medicine orally.

Drink plenty of water while taking this medication. If you don't drink enough fluids every day, your dose may need to be changed.

Take it with food if this medicine upsets your stomach.

Measure liquid medications using a special measuring spoon or medication cup. If you don't have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Swallow thatcapsuleStore whole and do not crush, chew, break or open.

Tell your doctor if you notice a capsule shell in your stool that has not been absorbed or melted by the body. Your blood valproic acid levels may need to be checked.

Frequent blood tests may be necessary.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon in advance that you are using valproate sodium.

In an emergency, carry medical identification to inform others that you are using valproate sodium.

Do not stop using valproate sodium suddenly, even if you feel well. Sudden stopping can result in a severe, life-threatening seizure. Follow your doctor's instructions for reducing the dose.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking valproate sodium?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of valproic acid.

Avoid driving and dangerous activities until you know how valproate sodium affects you. Your reactions may be affected.

What other drugs will affect valproate sodium?

Sometimes it is not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Some medications can affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many medications can affect valproate sodium. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking and any medications you are taking or stopping.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.