Valvorex 500mg Tablet


Product Info

Prescription required Yes
Marketer Leeford Healthcare Ltd
Active Ingredient Divalproex (500mg)
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical ClassAliphatic Carboxylic acid Derivatives
Habit FormingNo
Therapeutic ClassNEURO CNS
Action ClassSodium channel modulators (AED)
User Rating4.4
User Reviews656

FAQ

Question
Can I take alcohol while I am taking Valvorex 500mg?
Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on treatment with Valvorex 500mg. Taking alcohol with this medicine may make you feel more drowsy, light headed or dizzy.
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Question
Does Valvorex 500mg cause hair loss?
Yes, Valvorex 500mg may cause hair loss. However, it is only for a short time and is usually dose related. Please consult your doctor if the hair loss bothers you or persists for a longer duration.
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Question
Does Valvorex 500mg make you sleepy?
Yes, Valvorex 500mg may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
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Question
Is Valvorex 500mg a mood stabilizer?
Yes, Valvorex 500mg can sometimes be used as a mood stabilizer. It is given in patients who experience rapid changes in their mood. It works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mood changes.
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Question
How to check for overdose of Valvorex 500mg?
Overdose of Valvorex 500mg may cause headaches, blurred eyesight due to pupils of the eyes becoming smaller, lack of reflexes, confusion and tiredness. You may also experience weak or “floppy” muscles, fits (seizures), loss of consciousness, behavioral changes and breathing difficulties such as fast breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Immediate medical assistance is required in case of overdose.
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Question
What are the laboratory tests recommended prior to taking Valvorex 500mg?
The doctor may suggest blood tests before starting the treatment with Valvorex 500mg. The tests may include blood cell count, including platelet count, bleeding time and coagulation tests These tests are also advised to avoid any spontaneous bruising or bleeding. In addition to this, liver function tests are advised before therapy. It is recommended to periodically monitor liver function during the first 6 months of therapy, primarily in those who seem most at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.
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Question
What happens if I stop taking Valvorex 500mg?
You should not stop taking Valvorex 500mg without consulting your doctor. The dose of Valvorex 500mg should be reduced gradually and eventually can be stopped under the supervision of a doctor or specialist. Suddenly stopping the medication may lead to recurrence of symptoms or irritability, anxiety, dizziness and tremors.
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Question
Can Valvorex 500mg damage my liver?
Yes, Valvorex 500mg can cause damage to the liver. The risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of starting the treatment with Valvorex 500mg. Symptoms of liver damage may include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark coloured urine, facial swelling, yellowing of the skin or white of eyes. Therefore, it is important to have liver function tests done before starting the medicine and. Tests should be done periodically during the first 6 months of therapy, especially in those who are likely to be at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.
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Question
Can Valvorex 500mg cause weight gain?
Yes, Valvorex 500mg may cause weight gain. The gain in weight could be due to an increase in hunger. Keep a check on your diet and exercise regularly to prevent any weight gain. If you are have concerns related to weight gain, consult your doctor.
Answer

Question
What should be done if I start experiencing abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia?
If you experience acute severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting, it may be due to pancreatitis. Immediately consult your doctor in case you experience these symptoms. Your doctor may get your levels of serum amylase checked. In case the test shows positive results for pancreatitis, the medication should be stopped immediately.
Answer
Question
What if you forget to take Valvorex Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Valvorex 500mg, 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
Answer

Valvorex 500mg Tablet Reviews

Valvorex 500mg is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent and control seizures (fits). It is also used in the prevention of migraines. Occasionally, it may also be used to treat bipolar disorder.

Valvorex 500mg may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit.

It usually takes a couple of weeks to work. It is important to take this medicine regularly and for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing doses may trigger seizures and, if you stop, your condition may get worse. It should never be stopped suddenly.

This medicine's most common side effects include headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, unsteadiness, bruising, and decreased body temperature. Most of these are not serious. Keep taking the medicine but talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. However, if you notice a skin rash or redness, tell your doctor straight away. Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) and increase your risk of breaking a bone. Also, Valvorex 500mg may rarely lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If your mood becomes depressed, tell your doctor.

This medicine may not be suitable for everybody. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. Drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can increase some of the side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures. You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor make sure you are taking the right dose both before you start and while you are using it.

How Valvorex 500mg Tablet Works

Valvorex 500mg 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 Valvorex 500mg 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. Valvorex 500mg may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Benefits of Valvorex 500mg Tablet

  • In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures: Valvorex 500mg 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 Valvorex 500mg 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 Treatment of Bipolar disorder: Valvorex 500mg 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 Valvorex 500mg Tablet

  • Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures
  • Prevention of Migraine
  • Treatment of Bipolar disorder

Valvorex 500mg Tablet Side Effects

Item form

Safety Tips

Breast feeding  SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Valvorex 500mg 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
Valvorex 500mg is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol  UNSAFE
Valvorex 500mg may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Driving  UNSAFE
Valvorex 500mg may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Pregnancy  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Valvorex 500mg 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  SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Valvorex 500mg is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Valvorex 500mg is recommended.

Quick Tips

  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
  • Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
  • Practice yoga every day.
  • It can be taken with or without food, but better to take with food to avoid stoamch upset. 
  • 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.
  • Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor how the medication is affecting your body. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
  • Get enough sleep at nighttime.
  • Take your medication on time.
  • It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
  • Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
  • Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
  • Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.

References

  1. Divalproex sodium. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories; 2006.
  2. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
  3. Divalproex sodium [Prescribing Information]. Ghaziabad, UP: Unichem Laboratories Ltd.; 2023.
  4. Divalproex sodium [Medication Guide]. Halol, Gujarat: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; 2022.
  5. Divalproex sodium. North Chicago: AbbVie Inc; 1983 [revised Feb. 2016].

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