Valparex 200mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called anti-epileptics. It is used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It works by preventing extreme mood swings and abnormal brain signals that trigger seizures (fits). It also helps in the prevention of migraines.

Valparex 200mg Tablet can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you. This may increase gradually until your condition is stable. This medicine may take several weeks to work but it is important to take it regularly to get the benefit. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel fine, unless your doctor advises you to. You may have more seizures, or your bipolar disorder may get worse.

The most common side effects of this medicine include skin rashes, headache, feeling or being sick, difficulty sleeping, dizziness and feeling sleepy or drowsy. Most side effects wear off, but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. Long-term treatment can cause weakness in your bones (osteoporosis), increasing your risk of breaking a bone.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, meningitis or depression or suicidal thoughts. Also let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are using as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine, including contraceptive pills. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Valparex 200mg Tablet can be taken if it is clearly needed but the dose may be adjusted. You should avoid driving or riding a bicycle if this medicine makes you drowsy or dizzy. You may need frequent blood tests to check how you are responding to this medicine.

Uses of Valparex Tablet

Benefits of Valparex Tablet

In Prevention of Migraine

It is not fully established how Valparex 200mg Tablet helps prevent migraines. It may change the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain or increase the activity in a region of the brain associated with migraines. By preventing and reducing the frequency of headaches, it can help you carry out your daily activities and have a better quality of life.

In Bipolar disorder

Valparex 200mg Tablet works to restore the normal balance of nerve activity in your brain. It can help prevent extreme changes in mood and help you feel less agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of low mood. It can take several weeks for this medicine to work and you may still feel low during this time. It is likely that you will take this medicine for at least six months but possibly much longer. It needs to be taken regularly to work effectively. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor advises you to. You should continue to eat well and keep fit to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder.

In Epilepsy/Seizures

Valparex 200mg Tablet is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

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Side effects of Valparex Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Valparex

Hair loss
Tremors
Weakness
Infection
Peripheral edema
Headache
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Nausea
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Increased appetite
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Constipation
Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
Weight loss
Breathlessness
Hay fever
Nervousness
Flu-like symptoms

How to use Valparex Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Valparex 200mg Tablet is to be taken with food.

How Valparex Tablet works

Valparex 200mg Tablet is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Safety advice

Alcohol

UNSAFE

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Valparex 200mg Tablet.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Valparex 200mg Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Valparex 200mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving

UNSAFE

Valparex 200mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

CAUTION

Valparex 200mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Valparex 200mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

CAUTION

Valparex 200mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Valparex 200mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Valparex Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Valparex 200mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

No substitutes found for this medicine

Quick tips

Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
It may cause cosmetic side effects such as increased hair growth on face, acne and thinning of hair. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Valproic Acid Derivative

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

NEURO CNS

Action Class

Sodium channel modulators (AED)

FAQs

For how long should I take Valparex 200mg Tablet to cure my epilepsy completely?

Valparex 200mg Tablet does not cure your condition, it only prevents the seizures from occurring. Therefore, you will have to keep on taking it, maybe for years. Consult your doctor if you face any problems while taking this medicine.

What happens if I stop taking Valparex 200mg Tablet?

You should not stop taking Valparex 200mg Tablet suddenly. It should be discontinued gradually. Stopping it suddenly may increase the chances of recurrence of seizures. Always consult your doctor if you feel the need to stop taking this medicine.

I have gained weight after I started using Valparex 200mg Tablet. Is it because of this medicine? What should I do?

Yes, weight gain can occur with the use of Valparex 200mg Tablet. To control your weight, you should have a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have any other concerns.

Does Valparex 200mg Tablet affect the working of birth control pills?

Yes, Valparex 200mg Tablet does not have any effect on the working of birth control pills. However, contraceptives (birth control pills) may interfere with the working of Valparex 200mg Tablet and seizures may occur. It is important that you inform your doctor that you are using birth control pills. Your doctor will keep a track on your response to the treatment and monitor the Valparex 200mg Tablet levels in your blood levels.

Is it safe to take Valparex 200mg Tablet for long term?

Many patients can safely take Valparex 200mg Tablet for a long time. Rarely, long-term use of Valparex 200mg Tablet may weaken your bones, thereby increasing their chances of breaking easily (osteoporosis and osteopenia). If you are taking Valparex 200mg Tablet for a long time, get regular check ups done for bone health.

I am concerned because I have heard that Valparex 200mg Tablet causes hair loss. Is it true?

Valparex 200mg Tablet may cause thinning of hair, change of hair colour and even hair loss. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor if it is possible to reduce the dose of Valparex 200mg Tablet. Your hair may regrow after either reducing your dose or switching to a different medicine.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

Sodium valporate. Barceloneta, Puerto Rico: Abbott Pharmaceuticals PR Ltd.; 2011 [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Sodium Valproate [Patient Information Leaflet]. Gangtok, Sikkim: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; 2022. [Accessed 06 Apr. 2024] (online) Available from:

Marketer details

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The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.