Valrate CR 500 Tablet (Sodium Valproate 333mg/ Valproic Acid 145mg)

Valrate CR 500 mg Tablet is an anticonvulsant medication that consists of Sodium Valproate and Valproic Acid. It is used for the treatment of epilepsy (a neurological disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, leading to uncontrolled jerking movements and loss of consciousness). This medicine works by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in your brain.

Valrate CR 500mg Tablet may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, change in appetite, tremor, confusion, etc. Inform your doctor if these side effects bother you for a long time or become worse. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines after taking this medicine, as it may cause drowsiness.

Valrate CR 500 Tablet is advised to be taken with food to avoid stomach discomfort. The dose and duration of treatment will be decided by your doctor based on your condition. Take this medicine for the recommended duration for better results. Do not stop taking Valrate CR 500 Tablet suddenly, as it may cause increased seizure frequency. Your doctor may gradually taper the dose over a period.

Valrate CR 500mg Tablet should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor about your complete medical history, including any heart, liver, or kidney problems. Also, inform your doctor about all your current medications to avoid undesired effects. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Valrate CR 500 Tablet.

Major & minor side effects for Valrate CR 500 Tablet

Nausea or Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Blurred vision

Dizziness

Weight gain

Body pain

Skin rash

Sneezing

Dry skin

Urinary incontinence

Drowsiness

Change in appetite

Tremor

Uses of Valrate CR 500 mg Tablet

What is it prescribed for?

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which your brain activity becomes abnormal, causing uncontrolled jerking movements and loss of consciousness. Valrate CR 500 Tablet is used in the treatment of all types of epilepsy.

Dosage

Allergy

Avoid taking Valrate CR 500 mg Tablet if you are allergic to it. Seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms like skin rash, itching/swelling (especially in the face/throat/tongue), dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.

Active liver disease

Valrate CR 500 Tablet is not recommended for use if you have active liver problems due to the increased risk of liver toxicity.

Urea cycle disorders

Urea cycle disorders are a group of genetic disorders that affect how protein is broken down in your body. It may lead to the accumulation of toxic waste products in the blood. Valrate CR 500 mg Tablet is not recommended for use if you have urea cycle disorders as it may increase the risk of other complications that may be life-threatening.

Mitochondrial disorders

Mitochondrial disorders are a group of genetic disorders that occur when mitochondria (a component of the cell that produces energy) fail to produce enough energy for your body to function properly. Valrate CR 500 Tablet is not recommended for use if you have mitochondrial disorders (e.g., Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome) as it may further worsen your condition.

Porphyria

Porphyria is a condition that occurs due to the build-up of a chemical called porphyrin in your body. It affects the production of heme which transports oxygen in your blood. It can cause nerve or skin problems. Valrate CR 500 Tablet is not recommended for use if you have porphyria as it may worsen your condition.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Valrate CR 500mg Tablet is unsafe for use during pregnancy as it can harm your developing foetus. Therefore, consult your doctor if you are pregnant.

Breast-feeding

Valrate CR 500mg Tablet is not safe for use while breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk and may harm your baby. Therefore, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

General warnings

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a swelling of the pancreas (a gland that produces chemical substances which help in digestion and regulation of blood sugar). Valrate CR 500mg Tablet should be used with caution as it may cause severe pancreatitis in some cases. Inform your doctor if you experience any signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or acute abdominal pain that persist or worsen.

Impaired kidney function

Valrate CR 500mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have kidney problems, as it may lead to the accumulation of this medicine in the body and increase the risk of undesired effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your clinical condition.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder (a condition where the immune system attacks its own tissues) that causes swelling and tissue damage in the affected organs. Valrate CR 500mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have lupus erythematosus, as it may worsen your condition.

Driving and operating machines

Valrate CR 500mg Tablet may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Hence, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medicine.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose of  Valrate CR 500mg Tablet as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Never take more than the recommended dose. Contact your doctor in case of an overdose of Valrate CR 500mg Tablet.

All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking Valrate CR 500mg Tablet as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentration.

Interaction with Medicine

Lamotrigine

Metoclopramide

Warfarin

Ethinyl Estradiol

Disease interactions

Depression

Valrate CR 500 Tablet should be used with caution due to the increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. If you notice any behavioural changes or develop thoughts of self-harm, consult your doctor immediately.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Thyroid function tests

Thyroid function tests are blood tests done to measure the thyroid hormone level in your blood. Valrate CR 500 Tablet may alter the results of thyroid function tests. Hence, inform your doctor and laboratory technician about the use of this medicine before undergoing the test.

Urine ketone test

A urine ketone test is done to check the level of ketones (chemicals made in your liver) in your urine. Valrate CR 500 Tablet may give a false-positive result for the urine ketone test.  Hence, inform your doctor and laboratory technician about the use of this medicine before undergoing the test.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.

Take Valrate CR 500 Tablet preferably with food to avoid stomach discomfort. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised. Take this medicine for the recommended duration.

Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects that persist or worsen.

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Valrate CR 500 Tablet as it may increase the risk of side effects.

Valrate CR 500 Tablet may cause weight gain. Hence, monitor your weight while you are taking this medicine and adapt appropriate measures to minimise it.