Sodium valproate

About valproate

Valproate works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain, and so reducing fits.

Before taking valproate

Before taking valproate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are diabetic.
• If you suffer from kidney problems.
• If you, or a family member, suffer from liver problems.
• If you suffer from disorders of urea production in the liver.
• If you suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs)
• If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)

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How to take valproate

• Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.
• If you are taking enteric coated or modified-release tablets, swallow these whole with a glass of water.
• If you are taking crushable tablets, these can be swallowed whole or crushed.
• If you are taking modified release granules, sprinkle the granules into a drink or onto a small quantity of soft food which is cold or at room temperature. Suitable foods are: yoghurt, jelly, mousse, jam, ice-cream, milk-shake and fruit juices.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Make sure you stick to the same brand of medicine.
• Your doctor will run some blood tests before starting you on this medication.
• If you notice any unusual bruising, your doctor will run blood tests again.
• As valproate will cause weight gain, eat a balanced diet and take regular exercise.
• While you are taking treatment for epilepsy 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.
• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as suddenly stopping treatment is likely to make your symptoms return.

Can valproate 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.

• Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop an unexplained cough or sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising- this may be a sign of a blood disorder.
• Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice a feeling of weakness or tiredness, loss of appetite, swelling due to water retention, drowsiness; sometimes also repeated vomiting and stomach pain- this may be a sign of liver damage.
• Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you start to feel or are sick, with stomach pain- this may be a sign of pancreatitis.

How to store valproate

• 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