Valproic Acid Description

Generic Name : VALPROIC ACID

Pronunciation : (val proe' ik)

Trade Name(s) : Sodium valproate, Valparin

Why it is prescribed: Valporic acid is used, alone with other drugs, to control seizures and convulsions.

When it is to be taken: Valporic acid is usually taken two or more times daily. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken:
1. Valporic acid comes in the form of regular capsules, delayed-release tablets, and syrup or oral liquid.
2. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.
3.You may be instructed to start with a small dose and to increase the amount gradually over several weeks.
4. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not chew the regular capsules or delayed-release tablets; swallow them whole.
5. Valporic acid has an unpleasant taste and can irritate your mouth and throat.

Special Instruction :
1. Valporic acid can cause drowsiness and sedation. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your doctor can monitor your response to this drug. Your dose may need to be adjusted frequently, especially when you first take valporic acid.
3. You probably will have blood tests periodically to check how valporic acid is affecting you.
4. Take valporic acid exactly as your doctor has directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more or less often than as instructed.
5. Do not stop taking this drug without your doctor. Contact your doctor if you have seizures or convulsions.
6. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next dose, omit the missed dose completely. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite. Take this medication with food. If these problems persist, contact your doctor.
2. Drowsiness, sedation. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or are severe.
3. Weakness, facial swelling, sore throat, fever, easy bruising, tiny purple-colored skin spots, unusual bleeding, bloody nose, bleeding from the ear. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take valproic acid, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think that yo may be pregnant or breast-feeding or if you have liver disease.
2. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially other medication for seizures; aspirin; anticoagulants; medication for depression, colds or allergies; sleeping pills; muscle relaxants; pain medication; sedatives; and tranquilizers.
3. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages.
4. Do not take over-the-counter sleeping pills or antihistamines without consulting your doctor. Alcohol and these drugs can add to drowsiness and sedation caused by valproic acid.
5. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take valproic acid.
6. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.