Sign inBefore taking valproate semisodium
Before taking valproate semisodium make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you or anyone in your family has ever suffered from liver problems
- If you suffer from kidney problems
- If you suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus
- If you suffer from diabetes
- If you suffer from porphyria
How to take valproate semisodium
- Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking valproate semisodium without speaking to your doctor first. They will want to reduce your dose gradually.
- Swallow valproate semisodium tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you have diabetes, valproate semisodium can affect the results of your urine tests and you may need to carry out blood tests instead. Ask your doctor or diabetes nurse for advice.
- Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked. You may need regular blood tests while you are taking valproate semisodium.
- Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking valproate semisodium.
- Women who are planning a family or have an unplanned pregnancy should see their doctor or specialist for advice as soon as possible.
- While you are taking valproate semisodium there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.
Can valproate semisodium cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. |
| Tummy upset | Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. |
| Increased appetite and weight gain | Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet and increase the amount of exercise you do. |
| Thinning of the hair | Hair will grow back but it may be curlier than before. |
Other side effects include unsteadiness, shakiness, water retention (e.g. swollen ankles) or a skin rash.
Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), severe vomiting (being sick), loss of appetite, drowsiness and seizures (fits) or if you experience fever (high temperature), a sore throat, mouth ulcers or unusual bruising or bleeding contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.
How to store valproate semisodium
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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