diovat Xr (VALPROIC ACID)
What is Diovat xr?
Diovat xr is a medicine that helps stop seizures. It's used for different types of seizures in adults and older children. Doctors sometimes use it with other seizure medicines to make them work better. Exactly how it stops seizures isn't fully understood, but it helps the brain's electrical activity stay more regular.
What is the usual dose of Diovat xr?
Start with a low dose of medicine and gradually increase it each week until seizures stop or side effects appear. The maximum amount is limited, and very high doses aren't helpful. If the total daily dose gets too high, split it into smaller doses throughout the day. Blood tests to measure the medicine's level aren't always perfectly accurate in predicting how well it's working.
How do I take Diovat xr?
Take your Diovat xr pills exactly as your doctor tells you. Follow their instructions on how many pills to take and when to take them. Only your doctor can change your dose; don't do it yourself. Never suddenly stop taking the medicine; that can be dangerous. Your doctor will tell you if you need to take it with food or not.
For how long do I take Diovat xr?
Doctors decide how long someone needs to take Diovat xr. There's no set time; it depends on the person and why they're taking it. Some might need it for a short time, while others might need it long-term.
What is Diovat xr used for?
Diovat xr capsules are a medicine used to treat epilepsy. They help control different types of seizures, including those where you might not be fully aware of what's happening (complex partial seizures), brief staring spells (absence seizures), or a combination of seizure types. Sometimes it's used alone, and other times with other epilepsy medicines.
How long does it take for Diovat xr to start working?
Diovat xr typically begins to exert its effects within a few days to weeks after starting treatment, depending on the individual and the condition being treated
Is Diovat xr effective?
Clinical studies have shown that Diovat xr effectively reduces seizure frequency and severity in patients with epilepsy. It is also recognized for stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder and preventing migraines.
How does one know if Diovat xr is working?
Some epilepsy medicines, like Diovat xr, might slightly raise the chance of someone having thoughts of suicide or trying to hurt themselves. Studies show this risk is small, about double the chance compared to taking a sugar pill (placebo). For every 530 people taking these medicines, about one extra person might experience suicidal thoughts or behavior.
How does Diovat xr work?
Diovat xr increases GABA levels in the brain, calming overactive nerve activity that causes seizures or mood swings.
Who should avoid taking Diovat xr?
Diovat xr can make you sleepy and dizzy, so don't drink alcohol or take other sleep aids while you're taking it. Don't drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you. It can also cause bleeding problems, stomach pain, blurry or double vision, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, hair loss, and trouble walking. Keep it at room temperature. Never stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
Can I take Diovat xr with vitamins or supplements?
It interacts with other anticonvulsants like phenytoin or carbamazepine. Regular monitoring of drug levels is recommended when combined with other medications.
Can I take Diovat xr with other prescription drugs?
Some medicines can affect how your body uses valproate (a seizure medicine). Taking valproate with aspirin can make it much stronger. Certain antibiotics (carbapenems) can make valproate less effective. Other seizure medicines like phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital can make your body get rid of valproate faster. A medicine called cholestyramine can also lower valproate levels. Because of all this, your doctor needs to check your valproate levels often, especially when you start or stop taking other medicines.
Can Diovat xr be taken safely while pregnant?
Taking valproate while pregnant greatly raises the chances of birth defects, particularly problems with the baby's brain and spine, much more so than other epilepsy medicines. The higher the dose, the greater the risk. It can also increase the risk of lower IQ and developmental delays. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy might help prevent some spine problems, but its effect on intelligence isn't clear. Stopping valproate suddenly is very dangerous and can cause severe seizures. Tests to check for birth defects should be offered during pregnancy.
Can Diovat xr be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Taking valproate while breastfeeding needs close watching of the baby for liver problems (like jaundice or easy bleeding) because there's a small chance of liver damage. The amount of the medicine in breast milk is low compared to the mother's blood, and a study showed no serious problems in children up to age six who were exposed this way. However, careful monitoring by a doctor is important.
Is Diovat xr safe for the elderly?
Older adults might need a lower starting dose of this medicine, and their doctor may need to lower the dose or stop it altogether if they get very sleepy. More older people taking this medicine reported things like accidents, infections, pain, sleepiness, and shakiness. But it's not clear if the medicine caused these problems, or if they were already there, or caused by other medicines.
How should I store Diovat xr?
Keep the medicine in a cool place, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (that's like room temperature). Make sure kids can't get to it.
Does Diovat xr make people tired or drowsy?
Drowsiness is common; avoid driving or operating machinery if affected. Consult a doctor if it persists.
Does Diovat xr cause stomach upset?
Nausea and vomiting may occur. Taking the medication with food can help reduce these effects.
Does Diovat xr affect sleep?
Diovat xr can make you sleepy and dizzy. If you have trouble sleeping because of it, talk to your doctor. Don't drink alcohol or take other sleep medicines while you're on this medication.
Does Diovat xr make it hard to think or concentrate?
Difficulty concentrating or drowsiness may occur; consult your doctor if these symptoms interfere with daily activities.
Does Diovat xr affect mood?
Mood swings or anxiety are uncommon but possible; report persistent issues to your healthcare provider.
Does Diovat xr interfere with sexual function?
Sexual dysfunction is rare; consult a doctor if it occurs.
Does Diovat xr affect appetite?
Appetite changes are uncommon but should be discussed with a healthcare provider if noticeable.
Does Diovat xr cause weight gain?
Some people taking this medicine gain weight; it happened to 9% in one study. Others lose weight. If your weight changes, talk to your doctor.
Does Diovat xr cause headaches?
Headaches are rare but possible; consult your doctor if they persist or worsen.
Does Diovat xr limit driving?
This medicine can make you sleepy and dizzy. Don't drive or use heavy machinery until you see how it affects you. If you have trouble driving, stop and call your doctor right away.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Diovat xr?
Diovat xr can make you sleepy and dizzy. Don't drink alcohol or take other sleep medicines while you're on it, because that will make the sleepiness and dizziness much worse.
Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Diovat xr?
Caffeine does not directly affect Diovat xr's safety or effectiveness but may worsen side effects like anxiety or insomnia in high amounts. Moderation is advised.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Diovat xr?
Exercise is generally safe while taking Diovat xr. If you feel fatigued or dizzy during workouts, consult your doctor before continuing strenuous activity.
What are Diovat xr possible harms and risks?
This medicine can cause some common problems like feeling sick to your stomach, stomach pain, sleepiness, and a skin rash. It can also raise ammonia levels in your blood. More serious problems are possible, such as easy bruising or bleeding, and very high ammonia levels, which can make you tired, cause vomiting, and even confuse you. Older people might get very sleepy, which could make it hard for them to eat and drink enough.
Available in 2 variations
Diovat XR 500mg Tablet
Diovat XR 500mg Tablet
Valproic Acid (500mg)
strip of 10 tablet xr
Diovat XR 250mg Tablet
Diovat XR 250mg Tablet
Valproic Acid (250mg)
strip of 10 tablet xr
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