Do you sometimes suddenly feel like you're having a fit? Or does your mood suddenly go up and down, sometimes changing in ways you can't even imagine? Others have unbearable headaches, which we call migraines, and they can make their lives miserable. Today we are going to talk about an important medication that doctors use to control such conditions. This is called valproic acid. You may have also heard of it as `Divalproex Sodium`.
What is this medicine? What is it used for?
Simply put, Valproic Acid is a drug that helps control several diseases by changing the activity of certain chemicals in our brain, called neurotransmitters. Divalproex Sodium is also related to this and is designed as a delayed release drug.
Now let's see what this is mainly used for:
- Stop fits: Some people have fits due to epilepsy. This is used to control such fits.
- For bipolar mania: People with bipolar disorder sometimes experience periods of mania, which are characterized by extreme happiness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. This medication is also used to control mania.
- Prevent migraines: Some people suffer from frequent and severe migraine headaches. This medicine is also used to prevent them from occurring.
These are the main things. But sometimes doctors may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well. You may also find this medicine under a brand name like `(Stavzor)`. So if you are not sure what this medicine is for, it is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What are the important things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Okay, now this is very important . Before your doctor gives you this medicine, he needs to know some things about your health. Because that information is what will determine whether this medicine is right for you or not, and how much to give you. If any of the following apply to you, you should definitely tell your doctor :
- If you are a regular drinker .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease (this is especially important).
- If you have low platelet counts.
- If you have a genetic condition called mitochondrial disease .
- If you are having suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts to harm yourself , or if someone in your family has done so, this is also very important.
- If you have a condition like Urea Cycle Disorder (UCD) (this is also a genetic condition).
- If you have an allergic reaction to the medicines `divalproex sodium`, `sodium valproate`, `valproic acid`, or any other medicine, food, food dyes, or preservatives .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, this is also very important, as this medicine may affect the baby.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor these things without hiding them, do you understand?
How exactly do I use this medicine?
When taking a medication, it is very important to know how to use it correctly. Taking it incorrectly can reduce its effectiveness and increase side effects.
- This medicine (which often comes in capsules) is to be taken by mouth . Swallow it with a full glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the prescription label given to you by your doctor.
- Do not break, crush, or chew these capsules. Swallow them whole.
- This can be taken with or without food . However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with a meal.
- You should take your medicine at the right time, at the right intervals . Don't take more or less than your doctor tells you to.
- It is very important not to stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may worsen your condition.
- The pharmacy will give you a special booklet called a `MedGuide` with this medicine. Read it carefully every time you get a new medicine, even when you get a new one. It contains a lot of important information about this medicine.
Things to keep in mind when giving this medicine to children
If your doctor has decided to give your child this medicine, you should discuss it with your pediatrician . For some selected conditions, it can be given to children as young as 10 years old. However, there are precautions that need to be taken, meaning there are things to be careful about. So listen carefully to what your doctor says.
What do you do if you take too much medicine by mistake?
We all make mistakes. So if you think you may have taken this medicine by mistake or overdosed, call your nearest poison control center or hospital emergency room immediately, or go to the emergency room.
Remember, this medicine is for you only. Even if a friend or family member has the same illness as you, do not give them your medicine. It can be dangerous.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
Sometimes you may miss your medication. If that happens, don't worry.
- Make up the missed time as soon as you remember .
- However, if it is very close to your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and just take the next dose at the scheduled time .
- Never take a double dose or take extra medication. Doing so may result in an overdose.
Other medications that are not compatible with this medicine (Interactions)
Now this is also very important. When you take this valproic acid, there are some other medications that don't go well with this one. That is, when you take those medications together, they can have an effect on each other, or the side effects can increase. So let's talk about this a little bit.
- One medicine that should never be taken with this medicine is `sodium phenylbutyrate`.
In addition, the following medications may interact with valproic acid:
- Aspirin
- Some antibiotics (e.g. ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem)
- Some medications for depression, anxiety, or other psychotic disturbances
- Some other medicines for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, topiramate)
- Some medications that prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)
- `cholestyramine` (a medicine used to lower cholesterol)
- Female hormones (e.g., medications containing estrogens, birth control pills, patches, rings)
- `propofol` (a drug used for anesthesia)
- `rifampin` (an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis)
- `ritonavir` (a medicine for HIV infection)
- `tolbutamide` (a medicine for diabetes)
- `zidovudine` (another medicine for HIV infection)
This list may not be complete. So tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, herbal medicines, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements. It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things can interact with your medicines.
Other things to be aware of when taking this medicine
There are a few things you need to be a little more careful about for your safety while using this medicine.
- If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor .
- Serious Skin Reactions: This is very important. This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. These can happen weeks or months after you start taking the medicine. If you have a rash with a fever or a feeling of fever, see your doctor right away. This rash may turn red or purple, then blister and peel. Or you may have a red rash with swollen lymph nodes on your face, lips, neck, or armpits. If you see something like this, don't delay.
- Medical ID: If possible, wear a medical ID bracelet or chain that lists your medical condition, medications, dosages, and times, or keep a card with you at all times. This can be very helpful in an emergency.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Therefore, until you know how this medication affects you, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that requires concentration. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, do not stand up from a sitting position or sit down suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Drinking alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol.
- Sun sensitivity: This medicine may make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun. So stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear a hat, long-sleeved clothing, and a good sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
- Mood swings and suicidal thoughts: This is also something to watch out for. Patients and their families should be on the lookout for new onset of depression and thoughts of harming themselves. Also, watch for sudden changes in mood. For example, feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or having trouble sleeping. If this happens, especially when starting the medication or after changing the dosage, talk to your doctor immediately.
- Pregnancy: We've said this before, but it bears repeating. Women who are trying to get pregnant, or who think they may be pregnant, should definitely tell their doctor about this. This medicine can have serious side effects on the unborn baby. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
- Vitamin Deficiency: This medication can cause a decrease in folic acid and vitamin D levels in the body. Therefore, you should make sure that you are getting enough vitamins while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the foods you eat and the vitamins you take.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, valproic acid can cause side effects in some people. But these don't happen to everyone, right? Only to some. But it's important to be aware of them. Let's break these side effects down into two categories.
Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor without delay.
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue.
- Changes in vision: Blurred vision, double vision, etc.
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes: This can be a sign of a more serious condition like DRESS syndrome.
- Severe skin reactions: redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth.
- Signs and symptoms of liver injury: These are the signs you should be very careful about. Dark yellow or brown urine; Feeling lethargic or feverish; Pale stools; Loss of appetite; Nausea; Pain in the upper right abdomen; Feeling unusually lethargic or tired; Yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice any of these, see a doctor immediately.
- Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes .
- Unusual bleeding or bruising ( e.g. nosebleeds, bleeding gums, turning blue from a minor bruise).
Side effects that do not usually require medical attention, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
These usually subside within a few days, but if they persist or bother you a lot, tell your doctor.
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Hair loss (this can be a bit upsetting for some people)
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain (this is also a problem for some)
Not all side effects on this list may occur. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about that as well.
How should I store this medicine?
Storing medicines properly also helps maintain their quality.
- Keep it somewhere out of reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, or 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not store in very hot or humid places, such as bathrooms.
- Keep the mouth of the medicine bottle or packet tightly closed .
- Do not use medicines that have passed their expiration date, throw them away.
Finally, things to remember
Okay, we've talked a lot about this drug called valproic acid. If you have to use this drug, keep these things in mind:
- This is a powerful medicine that should be used under the advice of a doctor. Therefore, take it exactly as the doctor says, in the amount he says, and at the time he says.
- Never stop taking this suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Be aware of possible side effects , especially severe skin reactions, liver effects, and mood changes. If you notice any of these, tell your doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any other illnesses you have.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If you have any further questions or concerns about this medicine, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
Wishing you good health!
` Valproic acid, divalproex sodium, fits, epilepsy, bipolar, migraine, side effects
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