Sodium Valproate + Valproic Acid

Dosage Forms Available

• Sodium Valproate + Valproic Acid is available for use via the oral route (tablet, capsules).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is meant for adults and children above 10 years of age.

Contraindications

• This medication is contraindicated in patients with known allergies to Sodium Valproate, Valproic Acid and who have a history of severe kidney and liver impairment.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Sodium Valproate and Valproic Acid may interact with various medications, including painkillers such as aspirin and antiepileptic medications like phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and felbamate. It may also interact with anti-HIV medications like zidovudine, antidepressants such as amitriptyline and sertraline, and antipsychotic medications like quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone. Additionally, hormone-based medications like levonorgestrel, antimalarial medications such as mefloquine, and antacids like cimetidine may be affected by its use. The combination can also interact with certain antibiotics, including imipenem, meropenem, and erythromycin, as well as bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine. Furthermore, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam and diazepam may also be influenced by the use of Sodium Valproate and Valproic Acid.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdose of this medication may cause symptoms like drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, coma, abdominal pain, hypotension, arrhythmias, and tachycardia. If you observe these symptoms, inform your doctor and follow the advice accordingly.
• If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But avoid repeating the dose.

Management of Side Effects

• Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• This medication may affect your mental or physical abilities to operate machinery or drive. After taking the tablet, you may experience drowsiness, dizziness, and coordination difficulty. Therefore, avoiding any attention-demanding task is recommended after taking this medicine.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• This combination should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation. 

Caution in Other Conditions

• Inform your doctor if you have a history of depression, liver disease, or urea cycle disorders, as these conditions may affect the safety and effectiveness of Sodium Valproate and Valproic Acid. Additionally, if you have suicidal tendencies, HIV disease, or thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels), it is important to discuss these with your doctor before starting the medication to prevent potential complications.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• A ketogenic diet, which is low in carbohydrates and high in fats, is recommended for children with epilepsy as it helps the body utilize fat instead of glucose for energy generation. 
• For adolescents and adults, the Atkins diet, which is high in fat with controlled carbohydrate intake, is often suggested. 
• Regular exercise is beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight and improving overall well-being. 
• Ensuring adequate rest and sufficient sleep is essential, along with avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Practices such as meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity, and improve coping mechanisms. 
• It is advisable to have a seizure response plan in place to ensure those around you know how to provide assistance during an episode. 
• Preparing your living space with small modifications can help minimize the risk of physical injury during a seizure. 
• Identifying seizure triggers and making efforts to reduce or avoid them can also be beneficial. 
• Maintaining overall health is crucial in managing seizure activity. Additionally, installing an alarm or emergency device can provide immediate assistance in case of a seizure attack.