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Sodium valproate

  • If you are taking enteric coated or modified-release tablets, swallow these whole with a glass of water.
  • Make sure you stick to the same brand of medicine.
  • Your doctor will run some blood tests before starting you on this medication.
  • Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as suddenly stopping treatment is likely to make your symptoms return.

About valproate

Type of medicine Antiepileptic
Used for Epilepsy
Also called Convulex® (as valproic acid)
Epilim®
Epilim Chrono®
Epilim Chronosphere®
Epilim® EC
Episenta®
Epival® CR
Orlept®
Available as Tablets
Liquid
Modified release granules

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)

.

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.
  • 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.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Hair loss Re-growth normally begins within six months, although the hair may become curlier than before.
Feeling sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Feeling sleepy Make sure your reactions are normal before driving or operating machinery.
Avoid alcohol.
  • 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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
1506		 DocRef:
dils2098		 Last Updated:
18 May 2007		 Date of Next Review:
17 May 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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