Uses of Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid

The combination of Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid is used to manage or control mania (feeling very excited, enthusiastic, over-active and easily irritated or distracted) caused by bipolar disorder.

Therapeutic Category

Sodium Valproate: Mood stabilizers

Valproic Acid: Mood stabilizers

How Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid works

Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid works by acting on GABA (? aminobutyric acid) levels in the CNS, whose inhibitory activity is impaired in seizures and also in migraine headaches. It may also exert antiepileptic effects by reducing the high-frequency firing (excessive discharge) of nerve cells. Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid stabilizes mood by stabilizing the levels of chemicals in your brain that are responsible to affect your mood.

Common side effects of Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased or decreased appetite, stomach pain
• Headache, dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Weakness, shakiness
• Blurry or double vision
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Problems with walking or coordination

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (blistering, peeling or bleeding of your lips, eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, hands or feet with or without rash, fever, chills or aching muscles)
• Erythema multiforme (skin rash especially on palms or feet, or lesions with a pink or red ring and a pale centre which may be itchy, scaly or filled with fluid)
• Angioedema or an anaphylactic reaction (allergy-triggered swelling with painful itchy welts around the eyes, lips, throat and sometimes hands and feet, trouble swallowing or breathing)
• Decreased platelet count (spontaneous bruising or bleeding due to blood clotting problems, or getting more infections than usual)
• Increased blood ammonia levels (problems with balance and co-ordination, feeling lethargic or less alert, associated with vomiting, changes in mental status)
• Underactive thyroid gland (tiredness or weight gain)
• Inflammation of the envelope of the lungs (breathing difficulty and pain)
• Rapid, uncontrollable eye movements
• Worsening of fits
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) causing joint pain, fever, fatigue or rash
• Kidney problems (renal failure, tubulointerstitial nephritis and Fanconi syndrome) which may cause reduced urinary output or blood in the urine
• Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) secretion causing confusion
• Suicidal thoughts or actions (thoughts about dying, attempts to commit suicide, new or worse depression, anxiety or irritability, agitation, restlessness, panic attacks, trouble sleeping (insomnia), aggression, anger, violence, acting on dangerous impulses, extreme excitability, other unusual changes in behavior or mood)
• Very low body temperature
• Drowsiness or sleepiness (elderly)

Health Tips for Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid

• Always take Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It may be taken with or without food
• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Sodium Valproate+Valproic Acid, as it can enhance certain side effects
• Drink an adequate amount of water unless your healthcare provider
• Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your health
• Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding women