What are the main side effects of sodium valproate?
Common side effects
- stomach pain, feeling or being sick.
- diarrhoea.
- dry or sore mouth, or swollen gums.
- shakes (tremors) in a part of your body, or unusual eye movements.
- feeling tired or sleepy.
- headache.
- weight gain.
- thinning hair, or changes to the colour or texture of your hair.
What is sodium valproate used to treat?
It is used to control seizures (fits) in most types of epilepsy. Sodium valproate may be used alone or in combination with other medicines for the treatment of epilepsy. It is important that this medication is taken only as directed and not given to other people.
Is valparin a steroid?
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Is sodium valproate and valproic acid the same?
Sodium valproate and semisodium valproate are very similar to valproic acid. They work in the same way but these medicines are sometimes given at different doses for different conditions.
Is sodium valproate a high risk drug?
Valproate (Epilim, Depakote and other generic brands) is associated with a significant risk of birth defects and developmental disorders in children born to women who take valproate during pregnancy. Valproate is a treatment for epilepsy and bipolar disorder and is prescribed to thousands of women.
How long can you take sodium valproate?
Your doctor will advise you how long you’ll need to stay on valproate, as it depends on what you are taking it for. If you are taking it to prevent the symptoms of mania from coming back, it might be about six months. If you stop taking the valproate too soon, there is more chance that your symptoms will come back.
Is sodium valproate good for anxiety?
Our data suggest that Valproate (depakine-chrono) is efficacious in the management of acute anxiety disorders, as the participants had a clinically and statistically significant improvement in anxiety symptoms over 6 weeks of treatment.
Can epilepsy be cured?
Although epilepsy can’t be cured, many treatment options are available. Up to 70% of people with epilepsy can manage the disease with medications.
Which is major side effect of valproic acid?
Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, weight changes may occur.
What happens if you suddenly stop taking sodium valproate?
If you are taking sodium valproate
If you suddenly stop taking your AEDs, it could cause your seizures to increase, or to become more severe. Seizures could cause more harm for you and your unborn baby than any risks associated with the drugs themselves.
What happens if you stop taking sodium valproate?
What foods are good for epilepsy?
Though there are no specific foods that help prevent seizures, whole grains and fruits are healthy options for people with and without epilepsy.
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Foods to Eat With Epilepsy
- Whole grains like rolled or steel cut oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat breads.
- Fruits.
- Vegetables.
- Legumes like peas, beans and lentils.
Is rice good for epilepsy?
Food Items You Can Easily Consume
Low glycemic index foods such as whole grains, brown rice, whole-wheat bread and pasta, legumes, yogurt and nuts.
Can valproic acid damage brain?
Valproic acid can cause serious birth defects (physical problems that are present at birth), especially affecting the brain and spinal cord and can also cause lower intelligence and problems with movement and coordination, learning, communication, emotions, and behavior in babies exposed to valproic acid before birth.
Does valproic acid affect memory?
Valproic acid (VPA), an agent that is used to treat epileptic seizures, can cause spatial memory impairment in adults and children.
Which fruit is best for epilepsy?
Some doctors recommend the very-low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet to help manage seizures, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- Breads and pastas.
- Baked goods and other sweets.
- Starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes and corn.
- Legumes.
- Most fruits, like bananas, pineapples, grapes and apples.
Which exercise is best for epilepsy?
In fact, some research has shown that regular sessions of aerobic exercise (for example running, walking, swimming, or cycling) can result in a significant reduction in the number of seizures for some people, as well as having other health benefits.
Does valproic acid affect sleep?
Parents frequently report increased sleep duration in their children during treatment with valproic acid (VPA) and a decreased sleep amount when VPA is tapered after several years of treatment.
When should I stop taking valproic acid?
If you are taking valproic acid to treat seizures or mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder), do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Untreated seizures and mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder) are serious conditions that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
Who should not take valproic acid?
You should not use valproic acid if you are allergic to it, or if you have: liver disease; a urea cycle disorder; or. a genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder such as Alpers’ disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, especially in a child younger than 2 years old.
What drugs should not be taken with valproic acid?
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, phenelzine), certain antibiotics (carbapenems such as imipenem), irinotecan, mefloquine, orlistat, other medications for seizure (such as ethosuximide, lamotrigine, rufinamide, topiramate), rifampin.
Which food is not good for epilepsy?
If you have a sudden spike or crash in blood sugar, this could cause seizures. This is why it is generally best to avoid high sugar, processed foods such as cookies, cakes, candy and white bread. Ideally you should aim to follow a balanced diet which will release energy into your bloodstream at a slower, steadier rate.
Which food is good for epilepsy?
Foods to Eat With Epilepsy
- Whole grains like rolled or steel cut oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat breads.
- Fruits.
- Vegetables.
- Legumes like peas, beans and lentils.
What diet is best for epilepsy?
The “classic” ketogenic diet is a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that helps to control seizures in some people with epilepsy. It is prescribed by a physician and carefully monitored by a dietitian. It is usually used in children with seizures that do not respond to medications.
What does valproic acid do to the brain?
This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Valproic acid is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), and helps prevent migraine headaches.