Sodium valproate is used to control some types of seizures, as a mood stabilizer and used in other medical conditions such as prevention of migraine headaches. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.
Sodium valproate is used to control some types of seizures (commonly known as fits). It can also be used as a mood stabilizer to help reduce mood swings in a condition known as bipolar disorder. This medication is also used in other medical conditions such as prevention of migraine headaches.
Follow the instructions on your medication label and take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
You should take this medication with or after food.
If you are taking the controlled-release tablet (Chrono), swallow the tablet whole or halved, do not chew or crush. These tablets are specially designed to release the medication slowly over a period of time.
If you are taking the enteric coated tablets, swallow it whole, do not crush or chew. This formulation of sodium valproate helps to reduce stomach upset caused by this medication.
If you are using oral syrup, do not mix the medication with any carbonated drink. Use a medicine spoon or graduated syringe provided to measure your medication. Do not use household spoons as they may not be accurate.
You may not experience any benefits immediately after starting the medication as it may take up to a few weeks before this medication can work fully. You should continue to take your medication regularly as instructed by your doctor even if you feel well. Stopping your medication without informing your healthcare professionals may cause your condition to worsen quickly.
Do not stop taking or adjust the dose of this medication without consulting your healthcare professionals. Do not change brands or formulations of the medication without informing your healthcare professional.
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professionals if you have the following medical conditions before starting on sodium valproate:
For patients of child-bearing age (both male and female): Discuss with your doctor regarding family planning if you will be starting or currently taking sodium valproate.
Consult your healthcare professional immediately if your seizures get worse or become different after you start on this medication.
Like all medicines, this medication may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects lasts more than a few days or become severe and bothersome.
The common side effects of sodium valproate include:
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
If the following serious side effects happen, you should consult your healthcare professionals immediately:
In rare cases, this medication may cause the following changes to a person’s mental condition, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or during dose changes:
Please inform your doctor as soon as possible, or for your family or caregiver to inform your doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
Do not stop taking this medication on your own without discussing with your doctor.
It is important to note that your doctor has prescribed this medication as he/ she feels you will benefit more from taking this medication over the possible risks that it may cause, which have a low chance of occurring, and most people take this medication without any of such problems.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it can cause excessive drowsiness.
There are several medicines that affect the level of this medication in your body. Please consult your healthcare professionals before using any other medications, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products.
Keep the medication in the original container, tightly closed or sealed. Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on May 2024
This article was last reviewed on Saturday, April 30, 2022