Valproate

It is prescribed for the following conditions:

1. Epilepsy: Valproate is commonly used to treat different types of seizures, including absence seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and focal seizures. It can be prescribed as a primary treatment or in combination with other antiepileptic medications.
2. Bipolar disorder: Medicine may be used as a mood stabilizer to manage the manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It can help reduce symptoms such as excessive energy, irritability, impulsivity, and mood swings.
3. Migraine prevention: Valproate is sometimes prescribed to prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine headaches in individuals who experience frequent migraines.
4. Other off-label uses: Valproate may be used off-label for certain psychiatric conditions, such as aggression, impulse control disorders, and certain types of behavioral disorders.

How to use

Here are general guidelines for using Valproate:

1. Oral tablets/capsules: Medicine is usually taken orally with a full glass of water. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole without crushing or chewing it.
2. Extended-release formulations: If you are prescribed an extended-release formulation of Valproate, such as divalproex sodium, follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor. These formulations are designed to release the medication slowly over time and may require different dosing intervals.
3. Food intake: Valproate can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset.
4. Do not break or open delayed-release capsules: If you are prescribed delayed-release capsules, do not break or open them. Swallow them whole to ensure the medication is released properly.
5. Regular dosing schedule: To maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body, try to take Valproate at the same time(s) each day. This will help maximize its effectiveness.

Dosage

The dosage of Valproate can vary depending on the condition being treated, the individual's age, weight, and other factors. The following dosage information is a general guideline and may not apply to everyone.

Epilepsy:

• Adults: The initial recommended dose is usually 10-15 mg/kg per day, divided into two or three smaller doses. The dose may be gradually increased by 5-10 mg/kg per day every week until the desired effect is achieved or side effects occur. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 20-60 mg/kg per day.
• Children: The initial recommended dose is typically 15 mg/kg per day, divided into two or three smaller doses. The dose may be gradually increased by 5-10 mg/kg per day every week until the desired effect is achieved or side effects occur. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 20-30 mg/kg per day.

Bipolar disorder:

• Adults: The initial recommended dose is usually 750 mg per day, divided into two or three smaller doses. The dose may be gradually increased by 250-500 mg per day every week until the desired effect is achieved or side effects occur. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 1,000-2,000 mg per day.
• Children: The dosage for bipolar disorder in children should be determined based on the child's weight, age, and response to the medication

Migraine prevention:

• Adults: The usual recommended dose is 250 mg twice daily. The dose may be increased to 500 mg twice daily based on the response and tolerability.
• Children: The dosage for migraine prevention in children should be determined based on the child's weight, age, and response to the medication.

It is important to note that these are general dosage recommendations and may not apply to everyone. The dosage may need to be adjusted for individuals with liver or kidney problems or for those taking other medications that interact with Valproate.

Side effects

Here are some common side effects associated with Valproate:

Gastrointestinal effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramps

Weight changes:

• Weight gain

Drowsiness or dizziness:

• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Tremor or shakiness

Hair loss or thinning

Changes in menstrual periods:

• Irregular periods
• Changes in menstrual flow

Liver problems:

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Rare cases of liver failure (rare but serious)

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas):

• Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting

Allergic reactions:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling (face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Difficulty breathing

Mood or behavioral changes:

• Depression
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Suicidal thoughts (rare but serious)

It is important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and the severity and occurrence can vary from person to person. Some side effects may be more common at the start of treatment and may decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Storage

When it comes to storing Valproate, it is important to follow proper storage guidelines to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Here are some general recommendations for storing:

1. Keep in a cool, dry place: Store pills at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in areas prone to temperature fluctuations, such as the bathroom or kitchen.
2. Keep out of reach of children and pets: Store medicine in a secure location where it is inaccessible to children and pets. Consider using child-resistant containers if available.
3. Avoid exposure to moisture: Moisture can affect the stability of Valproate. Ensure that the container is tightly closed and avoid exposing the medication to excessive humidity or moisture.
4. Do not transfer to different containers: It is generally recommended to keep pills in its original packaging or container. Do not transfer the medication to different containers.
5. Check expiration date: Check the expiration date on the packaging and do not use Valproate beyond the indicated date. Expired medications may lose their effectiveness or become unsafe to use.
6. Proper disposal: If you have expired or unused Valproate, consult your local guidelines for proper disposal methods. Do not dispose of it in the regular trash or flush it down the toilet, unless instructed to do so.

Overdose

An overdose of Valproate can be serious and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect an overdose or have taken more than the prescribed dose, contact emergency services or your local poison control center right away. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an overdose, which may include:

1. Extreme drowsiness or sedation
2. Confusion or disorientation
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Rapid or irregular heartbeat
5. Unusual bleeding or bruising
6. Nausea or vomiting
7. Tremors or seizures
8. Loss of consciousness

The specific effects of an overdose can vary depending on the individual and the amount of medication ingested. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention even if symptoms appear mild, as the severity can rapidly escalate.

It is important to never ignore or downplay the seriousness of a potential overdose. Prompt medical attention is crucial to minimize the risks and ensure appropriate treatment.

Missed Doses

If you happen to miss a dose of Valproate, here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Take it as soon as you remember: If you remember that you missed a dose and it is not close to the time for your next scheduled dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed one.
2. Do not take extra doses: Taking extra doses of Valproate to make up for a missed dose can increase the risk of side effects or complications.
3. Set reminders: To help minimize the chances of missing doses, consider using reminders such as alarms, phone alerts, or pill organizers. These can be helpful in ensuring that you take your medication at the designated times.