Valproic Acid

Valproic acid is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Valproic acid is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.

Generic name: Valproic acid (oral/injection)

Brand names: Depakene, Valproate Sodium, Depacon, Stavzor

Dosage forms: intravenous solution (100 mg/mL); oral capsule (250 mg); oral liquid (250 mg/5 mL)

Drug class: Fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants

Uses

Epilepsy/Seizures

Prevention of Migraine

Bipolar disorder

Benefits

In Epilepsy/Seizures

Glarikot 750mg Tablet ER 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.

In Prevention of Migraine

It is not fully established how Glarikot 750mg Tablet ER 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

Glarikot 750mg Tablet ER 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. Show Less

Directions for use

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. Glarikot 750mg Tablet ER is to be taken with food.

How it works?

Glarikot 750mg Tablet ER is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other side effects:

  • Confusion, tiredness, cold feeling, vomiting, change in your mental state

  • Easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, or gums), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin

  • Severe drowsiness

  • Worsening seizures.

  • Severe drowsiness may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of valproic acid may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness

  • Headache

  • Tremors, problems with walking or coordination

  • Blurred vision, double vision

  • Hair loss

  • Changes in appetite, weight gain.

Warnings

  • Valproic acid can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by certain genetic disorders.

  • You should not use valproic acid if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers’ disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome.

  • Do not start or stop taking valproic acid during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice. This medicine may harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby.

  • Do not use valproic acid to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.

  • Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  • Do not stop using valproic acid without your doctor’s advice. Stopping suddenly may cause a serious, life-threatening type of seizure.

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