Epival Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Epival belong to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. Epival is use to control certain types of attacks in the treatment of epilepsy. Sodium valproate works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain. Epival can be use alone or with other seizure medicine. The delayed-release tablets are also used to control the manic episodes--periods of abnormally high spirits and energy that occur in bipolar disorder.

Epival Dosage

• Dosage for adults and children 10 years of age or older is determined by body weight.
• The usual recommended starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day depending on the type of seizure.
• The maximal recommended dosage is 60 mg/kg/day.
• When the total daily dose is 125 mg or greater, it should be given in a divided regimen.

Uses of Epival

• Epival is used to treat various types of seizures and convulsions.
• It may also be used to treat other medical conditions those are listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Epival

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Drowsiness,
• headache,
• ataxia,
• vertigo,
• fatigue,
• diplopia,
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• allergic skin reactions,
• edema,
• fluid retention,
• dry mouth,
• leucopenia,
• eosinophilia.
• Rarely, serious hematologic, hepatic, cardiovascular and dermatologic reactions

Warnings and precautions before taking Epival:

• It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.
• Before you have any medical tests, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine.
• The results of the metyrapone and thyroid function tests may be affected by this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease; glaucoma; high blood pressure; or a history of blood clots or blood disorders.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Epival, call your doctor immediately.
• Epival may harm the fetus. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking carbamazepine.

Drug Interaction:-

• Divalproex may potentiate the CNS depressant action of alcohol.
• The concomitant administration of valproic acid with drugs that exhibit extensive protein binding (e.g., aspirin, carbamazepine and dicumarol) may result in alteration of serum drug levels.

Overdose

Symptoms of an Epival overdose are not known. But after taken Epival if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it will may lead to another serious effect.

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