About Valparin 200 Tablet
Valparin 200 Tablet contains Sodium Valproate 200 mg. Sodium valproate is an antiepileptic medicine used to treat many types of epilepsy and, in some cases, bipolar disorder. It must be taken regularly to work and should not be stopped suddenly. Valproate can seriously harm an unborn baby, so girls and women who could become pregnant must use it only under a specialist's care with effective contraception.
Uses of Valparin 200 Tablet
- Epilepsy, including generalised and partial (focal) seizures
- Mania in bipolar disorder, when other medicines are not suitable
Benefits
In epilepsy
Taken regularly, it helps prevent fits (seizures) or makes them less frequent, which allows safer daily living.
In bipolar disorder
It can help control episodes of mania.
Side effects
Some side effects settle with time. Talk to your doctor if they bother you. Do not stop it suddenly, as fits may return.
Common
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Shaking (tremor)
- Weight gain
- Hair thinning or hair loss (usually temporary)
- Drowsiness
Get medical help if you notice
- Vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or more fits — may be liver damage; seek medical help straight away
- Severe stomach pain spreading to the back, with vomiting — may be pancreatitis; seek emergency care
- Unusual bruising or bleeding — contact your doctor
- Confusion, unusual sleepiness or vomiting — may be raised ammonia; contact your doctor
- Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, or worsening mood — contact your doctor straight away or seek emergency help
- Severe skin rash, blistering or fever with swollen glands — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually with or after food. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
How it works
Valproate increases the action of GABA, a calming chemical messenger in the brain, and reduces excess electrical activity, which helps prevent seizures.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It adds to drowsiness and liver risk and can make fits more likely.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It can cause serious birth defects and developmental problems. Do not use it in pregnancy unless a specialist decides there is no other option. Use effective contraception, and do not stop it yourself — talk to your doctor urgently if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause drowsiness. Your ability to drive also depends on your seizure control; follow your doctor's advice and local rules.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor may adjust the dose if you have kidney disease.
Liver Unsafe
It must not be used in active liver disease, or if you or a close family member have had serious liver problems.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Never stop it suddenly — this can trigger fits.
- Girls and women who could become pregnant must use effective contraception and see a specialist regularly.
- Your doctor will check liver function and blood counts, especially in the first months.
- Tell your doctor before any surgery or new medicine, including antibiotics.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Branched-chain fatty acid (valproic acid salt)
- Therapeutic class
- Neurology / antiepileptic
- Action class
- Broad-spectrum anticonvulsant and mood stabiliser
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Carbapenem antibiotics (e.g. meropenem) | Can rapidly lower valproate levels and cause fits |
| Lamotrigine | Valproate raises lamotrigine levels and the risk of serious rash; dose changes are needed |
| Other antiepileptics (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, topiramate) | Levels and side effects of both may change |
| Aspirin | Can raise valproate levels and the risk of bleeding |
| Warfarin | May increase the blood-thinning effect |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Sodium valproate prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); MHRA valproate pregnancy prevention programme; NICE BNF: sodium valproate). Pharmacist review pending.