epsoval 200mg (VALPROIC ACID)
What is Epsoval?
Epsoval 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 Epsoval?
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 Epsoval?
Take your Epsoval 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 Epsoval?
Doctors decide how long someone needs to take Epsoval. 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 Epsoval used for?
Epsoval 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 Epsoval to start working?
Epsoval 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 Epsoval effective?
Clinical studies have shown that Epsoval 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 Epsoval is working?
Some epilepsy medicines, like Epsoval, 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 Epsoval work?
Epsoval increases GABA levels in the brain, calming overactive nerve activity that causes seizures or mood swings.
Who should avoid taking Epsoval?
Epsoval 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 Epsoval 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 Epsoval 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 Epsoval 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 Epsoval 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 Epsoval 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 Epsoval?
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 Epsoval make people tired or drowsy?
Drowsiness is common; avoid driving or operating machinery if affected. Consult a doctor if it persists.
Does Epsoval cause stomach upset?
Nausea and vomiting may occur. Taking the medication with food can help reduce these effects.
Does Epsoval affect sleep?
Epsoval 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 Epsoval make it hard to think or concentrate?
Difficulty concentrating or drowsiness may occur; consult your doctor if these symptoms interfere with daily activities.
Does Epsoval affect mood?
Mood swings or anxiety are uncommon but possible; report persistent issues to your healthcare provider.
Does Epsoval interfere with sexual function?
Sexual dysfunction is rare; consult a doctor if it occurs.
Does Epsoval affect appetite?
Appetite changes are uncommon but should be discussed with a healthcare provider if noticeable.
Does Epsoval 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 Epsoval cause headaches?
Headaches are rare but possible; consult your doctor if they persist or worsen.
Does Epsoval 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 Epsoval?
Epsoval 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 Epsoval?
Caffeine does not directly affect Epsoval'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 Epsoval?
Exercise is generally safe while taking Epsoval. If you feel fatigued or dizzy during workouts, consult your doctor before continuing strenuous activity.
What are Epsoval 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
Epsoval 200mg Tablet XR
Epsoval 200mg Tablet XR
Valproic Acid (200mg)
strip of 10 tablet xr
Epsoval 200mg Tablet
Epsoval 200mg Tablet
Valproic Acid (200mg)
strip of 10 tablets
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