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Valproate semisodium

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Do not stop taking valproate semisodium without speaking to your doctor first. They will want to reduce your dose gradually.
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.

About valproate semisodium

Type of medicine	Antimanic drug
Used for	Treatment of mania (overactive and excitable behaviour) in those suffering from bipolar disorder.
Also called	Depakote Valproic acid
Available as	Tablets

Valproate semisodium is used to treat mania (overactive and excitable behaviour) in those suffering from bipolar disorder, where extreme changes in mood are experienced. Valproate semisodium decreases the intensity and frequency of manic episodes.

Before 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

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

DocID: 3233

DocRef: dils2983

Last Reviewed: 1 Feb 2007

Version: 23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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