Val 200mg Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Baroda Pharma Pvt Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Valproic Acid (200mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Valproic Acid Derivative |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | Sodium channel modulators (AED) |
| User Rating | 4.6 |
| User Reviews | 597 |
FAQ
Is it safe to take Val 200mg for long term?
Many patients can safely take Val 200mg for a long time. Rarely, long-term use of Val 200mg may weaken your bones, thereby increasing their chances of breaking easily (osteoporosis and osteopenia). If you are taking Val 200mg for a long time, get regular check ups done for bone health.
Can I take birth control pills while taking Val 200mg?
Yes, Val 200mg does not have any effect on the working of birth control pills. However, contraceptives (birth control pills) may interfere with the working of Val 200mg 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 Val 200mg levels in your blood levels.
I am concerned because I have heard that Val 200mg causes hair loss. Is it true?
Val 200mg 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 Val 200mg. Your hair may regrow after either reducing your dose or switching to a different medicine.
What happens if I stop taking Val 200mg?
You should not stop taking Val 200mg 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.
I have been taking Val 200mg for a year, and I did not have any episode of seizure during this time. For how long should I take it to cure my epilepsy completely?
Val 200mg 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 face any problems while taking this medicine.
I have gained weight after I started using Val 200mg. Is it because of this medicine? What should I do?
Yes, weight gain can occur with the use of Val 200mg. To control your weight, you should have a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have any other concerns.
What if you forget to take Val Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Val 200mg, 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.\n
Val 200mg Tablet Reviews
Val 200mg is used to treat epilepsy (seizures) and bipolar disorder. It is also used in the prevention of migraines. It has a calming effect on the brain by relaxing the nerves.
Val 200mg may be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time, each day. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Never skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not stop taking it abruptly without discussing it with your doctor, as it may increase seizure frequency.
Some of the common side effects of this medicine include headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and diarrhea. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine may cause weight gain, and to control it, you should have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Please consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.
Val 200mg may be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time, each day. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Never skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not stop taking it abruptly without discussing it with your doctor, as it may increase seizure frequency.
Some of the common side effects of this medicine include headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and diarrhea. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine may cause weight gain, and to control it, you should have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Please consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.
How Val 200mg Tablet Works
Val 200mg 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 Val 200mg Tablet
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. Val 200mg is to be taken with food.
Benefits of Val 200mg Tablet
- In Epilepsy/Seizures: Val 200mg 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 Val 200mg 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: Val 200mg 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 Val 200mg Tablet
- Bipolar disorder
- Prevention of Migraine
- Epilepsy/Seizures
Val 200mg Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Val 200mg.
Driving
UNSAFE
Val 200mg may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Val 200mg 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
Val 200mg should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Val 200mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Val 200mg is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Liver
UNSAFE
Val 200mg is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.Use of Val 200mg is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease and active liver disease.
Quick Tips
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
- Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
- Take your medication on time.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Practice yoga every day.
- 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.
- It may cause cosmetic side effects such as increased hair growth on the face, acne and thinning of hair. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you.
- Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with 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 regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
References
- Valporic acid. Barceloneta, PR :AbbVie LTD; 1978 [revised Feb 2016].
- Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Antiseizure Drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 413-15.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. p. 1449-54.
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198.
- McNamara JO. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 596-98.