Epilex Oral Solution


Product Info

Prescription required Yes
Marketer Abbott
Active Ingredient Sodium Valproate (200mg/5ml)
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical ClassValproic Acid Derivative
Habit FormingNo
Therapeutic ClassNEURO CNS
Action ClassSodium channel modulators (AED)
User Rating4.3
User Reviews469

FAQ

Question
Does Epilex Oral Solution affect the working of birth control pills?
Yes, Epilex Oral Solution does not have any effect on the working of birth control pills. However, contraceptives (birth control pills) may interfere with the working of Epilex Oral Solution and seizures may occur. It is important that you inform your doctor that you are using birth control pills. Your doctor will keep a track on your response to the treatment and monitor the Epilex Oral Solution levels in your blood levels.
Answer

Question
I am concerned because I have heard that Epilex Oral Solution causes hair loss. Is it true?
Epilex Oral Solution may cause thinning of hair, change of hair colour and even hair loss. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor if it is possible to reduce the dose of Epilex Oral Solution. Your hair may regrow after either reducing your dose or switching to a different medicine.
Answer

Question
Is it safe to take Epilex Oral Solution for long term?
Many patients can safely take Epilex Oral Solution for a long time. Rarely, long-term use of Epilex Oral Solution may weaken your bones, thereby increasing their chances of breaking easily (osteoporosis and osteopenia). If you are taking Epilex Oral Solution for a long time, get regular check ups done for bone health.
Answer

Question
I have gained weight after I started using Epilex Oral Solution. Is it because of this medicine? What should I do?
Yes, weight gain can occur with the use of Epilex Oral Solution. To control your weight, you should have a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have any other concerns.
Answer

Question
For how long should I take Epilex Oral Solution to cure my epilepsy completely?
Epilex Oral Solution does not cure your condition, it only prevents the seizures from occurring. Therefore, you will have to keep on taking it, maybe for years. Consult your doctor if you face any problems while taking this medicine.
Answer

Question
What happens if I stop taking Epilex Oral Solution?
You should not stop taking Epilex Oral Solution suddenly. It should be discontinued gradually. Stopping it suddenly may increase the chances of recurrence of seizures. Always consult your doctor if you feel the need to stop taking this medicine.
Answer
Question
What if you forget to take Epilex Oral Solution?
If you miss a dose of Epilex Oral Solution, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Answer

Epilex Oral Solution Reviews

Epilex Oral Solution belongs to a group of medicines called anti-epileptics. It is used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It works by preventing extreme mood swings and abnormal brain signals that trigger seizures (fits). It also helps in the prevention of migraines.

Epilex Oral Solution can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you. This may increase gradually until your condition is stable. This medicine may take several weeks to work but it is important to take it regularly to get the benefit. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel fine, unless your doctor advises you to. You may have more seizures, or your bipolar disorder may get worse.

The most common side effects of this medicine include skin rashes, headache, feeling or being sick, difficulty sleeping, dizziness and feeling sleepy or drowsy. Most side effects wear off, but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. Long-term treatment can cause weakness in your bones (osteoporosis), increasing your risk of breaking a bone.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, meningitis or depression or suicidal thoughts. Also let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are using as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine, including contraceptive pills. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Epilex Oral Solution can be taken if it is clearly needed but the dose may be adjusted. You should avoid driving or riding a bicycle if this medicine makes you drowsy or dizzy. You may need frequent blood tests to check how you are responding to this medicine.

How Epilex Oral Solution Works

Epilex Oral Solution is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

How to Use Epilex Oral Solution

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Epilex Oral Solution is to be taken with food.

Benefits of Epilex Oral Solution

  • In Prevention of Migraine: It is not fully established how Epilex Oral Solution 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 Epilepsy/Seizures: Epilex Oral Solution 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 Bipolar disorder: Epilex Oral Solution 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.

Uses of Epilex Oral Solution

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Epilepsy/Seizures
  • Prevention of Migraine

Epilex Oral Solution Side Effects

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Safety Tips

Driving  UNSAFE
Epilex Oral Solution may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Pregnancy  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Epilex Oral Solution is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney  CAUTION
Epilex Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Epilex Oral Solution may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Epilex Oral Solution is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Alcohol  UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Epilex Oral Solution.
Liver  CAUTION
Epilex Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Epilex Oral Solution may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Quick Tips

  • Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
  • Get enough sleep at nighttime.
  • Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
  • Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
  • Practice yoga every day.
  • It may cause cosmetic side effects such as increased hair growth on face, acne and thinning of hair. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you.
  • It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
  • Take your medication on time.
  • Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:Practice yoga every day.Get enough sleep at nighttime.Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.Take your medication on time.
  • Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
  • Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.

References

  1. Sodium valporate. Barceloneta, Puerto Rico: Abbott Pharmaceuticals PR Ltd.; 2011
  2. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
  3. Sodium Valproate [Patient Information Leaflet]. Gangtok, Sikkim: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; 2022.

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