Easy-to-read medicine information about sodium valproate – what it is, how to take sodium valproate safely and possible side effects. Sodium valproate is commonly called Epilim.
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What is valproate?
Valproate has many uses: treating epilepsy by preventing seizures, controlling some mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and preventing migraine headaches. Valproate works by blocking certain kinds of nerve activity. In New Zealand, valproate is available as:
- Epilim liquid 200 mg in 5 mL
- Epilim 100 mg tablets (white tablets)
- Epilim EC 200 mg or 500 mg tablets (lilac tablets).
Dose
- The dose of valproate will be different for different people.
- Your doctor will start you on a low dose and increase your dose slowly over a few weeks.
- It is usually taken 2 or 3 times a day.
- Always take your valproate exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
How to take valproate
Valproate is available as a liquid or as tablets.- Timing: Valproate is best taken with food. Take your doses at the same times each day, to help you to remember to take it.
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Epilim liquid |
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Epilim tablets (white tablets) |
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Epilim EC tablets (lilac tablets) |
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- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Keep taking sodium valproate regularly every day (see tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly). It may take a few weeks before you experience the full benefits of sodium valproate. Do not stop taking sodium valproate suddenly as this can cause problems; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.
Precautions – before starting valproate
Sex and pregnancy
If you are a sexually active female and are taking valproate, you should use 2 effective means of contraception (such as an IUD and condoms) to avoid unplanned pregnancy. When you are taking valproate it is extremely important to plan a pregnancy. You need to see your doctor 6 to 12 months before you would like to become pregnant so that you can reduce any risks to your baby.
- All antiepileptic medicines in pregnancy have the potential to harm an unborn child but the risks are higher with some medicines, including sodium valproate, especially early in your pregnancy and at higher doses. If you have epilepsy, having seizures while you are pregnant can also harm your unborn child so it is important to keep taking an anti-epileptic medication.
- You and your doctor will agree on a plan about how to manage your medicines and your dose.
- If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, keep taking your medicine at the right dose, and contact your doctor, tell them you think you are pregnant and get an urgent appointment to see them.
Read more about medicines for epilepsy, mental health and pain can harm your unborn baby.
Side effects
Like all medicines, valproate can cause side effects; often side effects improve with time as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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Interactions
Valproate interacts with some other medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting sodium valproate or before starting any new medicines. Do not take indigestion medication (antacids) within 2 hours of taking sodium valproate.
Learn more
Epilim Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet
For adults: sodium valproate New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
For children: sodium valproate New Zealand Formulary for Children
For women: Medicines for epilepsy, mental health and pain can harm your unborn baby ACC, New Zealand
References
- sodium valproate New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
- sodium valproate New Zealand Formulary for Children
- Prescribing issues associated with anticonvulsant medications for epilepsy BPAC, NZ, 2009