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This Medicine Guide was last updated on
09/March/2006

Sodium valproate Medicine Guide
This is the Medicine Guide for Sodium valproate. It can help get the best results from having it and help you to take it safely. If you have any questions or want more advice, ask your prescriber or pharmacist. Or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Words in green have explanations. Place your cursor over the word and a glossary box will appear.
Words in blue and underlined are links to other parts of the guide or to other information.
What Is Sodium valproate?

Sodium valproate is a medicine which is used in epilepsy. It helps to control seizures. It is made by different companies, sometimes using different names.

Sodium valproate is available from a number of companies under the following brand names:

Epilim
Orlept

In the "My Medicine" box below are a number of choices. You can choose the form of the medicine and your sex. Click the apply button to make your choice. You can leave them as All to see all the information about Sodium valproate.

My Medicine
Form of medicine
Your sex

Sodium valproate in Epilepsy
Information on how Sodium valproate is used in Epilepsy.

The brain works by sending lots of messages. It manages the number of messages it sends and where it sends them to.

Sometimes extra messages are sent which do not go down the normal routes. This can upset the normal function of the brain and can cause an epileptic seizure. A person is said to have epilepsy when they have repeated seizures.

Sodium valproate belongs to a class of medicines called Anti-Epileptics. It can stop these extra messages in the brain. In this way it makes epileptic seizures less likely.

What is Sodium valproate for?

These forms of Sodium valproate are used in all types of epilepsy.
Getting Sodium valproate to work for you
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets, 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

People who take Sodium valproate the right way can often get control of their seizures. For the best results, you need to take Sodium valproate every day. It is a good idea to make it part of your routine and to take it at the same time or times every day. The label will tell you how much your prescriber wants you to take.

Take care not to take too much in one go or to miss a dose. Sodium valproate helps people every day. It should help you, too.

Sodium valproate 400 mg injection vials and diluent:

The person giving you Sodium valproate will make it work best for you.
Sodium valproate, Epilepsy and Life
Important things to check before you take this medicine. You may want to look at this again if life changes.

Medicines are designed to improve quality of life. But before taking a medicine there are some things that need to be considered by you and your prescriber before you have Sodium valproate. If you have any questions, talk to your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse. Or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Other Medical Considerations
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets, 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 400 mg injection vials and diluent, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

There are situations when you should not have Sodium valproate, or it should only be used with extra care. Make sure your prescriber knows if you have any of the following:

  • a condition called porphyria
  • a family history of severe liver problems
  • a problem with your liver
  • a problem with your kidneys
  • Lupus erythematosus
  • pancreatitis

If you have any of the above your prescriber may need to give you a lower dose than usual, monitor you more closely or not treat you with Sodium valproate.

Sodium valproate may affect urine tests. Sodium valproate is removed from the body in the urine as a chemical called ketones. Ketones are not normally present in urine. But ketones are present in the urine of people with diabetes or after a period of not eating. If you have a urine test for diabetes and are taking Sodium valproate, make sure that you tell the person in charge of the test that you are taking Sodium valproate.

Sodium valproate 200 mg/5 ml oral solution:

There are situations when you should not have Sodium valproate, or it should only be used with extra care. Make sure your prescriber knows if you have any of the following:

  • a condition called porphyria
  • a family history of severe liver problems
  • a problem with your liver
  • a problem with your kidneys
  • Lupus erythematosus
  • pancreatitis
  • diabetes

If you have any of the above your prescriber may need to give you a lower dose than usual, monitor you more closely or not treat you with Sodium valproate.

Sodium valproate may affect urine tests. Sodium valproate is removed from the body in the urine as a chemical called ketones. Ketones are not normally present in urine. But ketones are present in the urine of people with diabetes or after a period of not eating. If you have a urine test for diabetes and are taking Sodium valproate, make sure that you tell the person in charge of the test that you are taking Sodium valproate.
Family Planning/Oral Contraceptives

If you are on the Oral contraceptive pill, do not worry, as Sodium valproate does not change the way that the contraceptive pill works. Nor will the contraceptive pill change the way that Sodium valproate works. If you have any questions about birth control, discuss them with your prescriber.
Pregnancy

Before you start a family, it is important to discuss pregnancy and epilepsy with your prescriber and, if you have one, your epilepsy specialist. This is to make sure that you are as healthy as possible, that your epilepsy is as well controlled as possible, and that you are able to do everything you can to have a healthy baby.

Babies born to mothers who are taking anti-epileptic medicines are more likely to have problems. These can be related to the way the baby develops in the womb, and also how fast they develop once they are born. With proper planning the chance of these happening can be reduced.

Talk to your prescriber immediately if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant and are taking or have been given Sodium valproate. If you and your prescriber agree that you should have Sodium valproate during your pregnancy, make sure that you tell everyone involved in your pregnancy care. Your prescriber may advise you to take extra Folic acid during your pregnancy.
Breast-Feeding

Before you have your baby or start breast-feeding, talk to your prescriber and if you have one, your epilepsy specialist or obstetrician.

During breast-feeding, Sodium valproate may pass to the baby in the breast milk.

Make sure that you and your prescriber discuss breast-feeding and Sodium valproate.
Allergies

If you have any allergies, you should check that Sodium valproate does not contain anything you are allergic to.

The patient information leaflet for Sodium valproate should list all of the ingredients in your form of Sodium valproate. Otherwise you can ask your prescriber or pharmacist.

If you have reacted badly to Sodium valproate before, do not take Sodium valproate unless you have discussed your previous reaction with your prescriber.

Prescription Medicines

It is very common for people to take more than one medicine at a time. Not all medicines agree with each other. When a person is taking more than one medicine, the medicines may affect each other. This is called an interaction. Interactions can make the medicine more or less effective. They can sometimes cause side effects.

Your prescriber needs to know what other prescription medicines you are taking. If a medicine is likely to interact with Sodium valproate, your prescriber may want to change your dose, monitor you more closely or prescribe something else.

Prescriptions for other medicines can be written by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist. Make sure each of them knows what else you are taking each time you get a prescription for a new medicine. This way they can check that you can have the other medicines with Sodium valproate.

To see the medicines that might interact with Sodium valproate check the Prescription Medicines Interactions section.

Non-Prescription Medicines

It is possible to buy certain medicines without a prescription. If you buy a medicine without a prescription from a pharmacy, make sure you tell the pharmacist what other medicines you are taking. The pharmacist will be able to check that you can have the new medicine with Sodium valproate.

To see which non-prescription medicines might interact with Sodium valproate check the Non-Prescription Medicine Interactions section.

Your pharmacist can advise you about taking non-prescription medicines with Sodium valproate.
Herbal & Vitamin Supplements

Herbal and homeopathic remedies, vitamin pills and Chinese medicines may interact with Sodium valproate. You need to tell your prescriber if you are taking any so that you can have the herbal or vitamin supplements with Sodium valproate.

Driving & Operating Machinery

You may feel dizzy or drowsy when you first start having Sodium valproate. This may also happen if you take an increased dose or if you are taking other medicines. If you feel dizzy or drowsy do not drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol

Your prescriber may advise you to avoid alcohol while you are taking Sodium valproate. Drinking alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy or light-headed. Also, if you drink a lot of alcohol you may be more likely to have a seizure. Many drinks contain alcohol including beer, lager, wine, spirits and alcopops.
Diet

Sodium valproate is not known to be affected by any food. So you do not need to change what you eat while you are having Sodium valproate.
Get The Best From Sodium valproate
As you and your prescriber have agreed that you should take Sodium valproate, it is very important to use it the right way. Reading this section before you start to take your medicine will help you get the best from it.
Just Before You Take It
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets, 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

There are no special instructions.

Sodium valproate 200 mg/5 ml oral solution, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free:

It is best not to dilute the liquid.

Sodium valproate 400 mg injection vials and diluent:

The person injecting you with this form of Sodium valproate will follow the correct procedure.
Sodium valproate, Food and Meals
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution:

Food does not affect the way works. But it is best to take it with or after food, as you are less likely to feel or be sick.

Sodium valproate 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets:

These forms of Sodium valproate work better if taken with food. Have Sodium valproate with a meal.

Sodium valproate 200 mg modified-release tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free, 400 mg injection vials and diluent:

Food does not affect the way these forms of Sodium valproate work. So you can take it before, during or after a meal.

Sodium valproate 300 mg modified-release tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

Food does not affect the way Sodium valproate works. But it is best to take it after food, as you are less likely to feel or be sick.
How To Take Sodium valproate
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets:

This is a special form of Sodium valproate. This means you can swallow the tablet whole. But if you find it hard to swallow, you can also break it into smaller pieces or crush it into a powder. If you break or crush your tablet, make sure you take all the little bits or you will not get a full dose. You should take Sodium valproate with a full glass of water as this makes it easier to swallow. You can have another glass of water after taking the medicine, if you want.

Sodium valproate 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

Do not crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole if you can. You should take Sodium valproate with a full glass of water as this makes it easier to swallow. You can drink another glass of water after taking the medicine if you want.

Sodium valproate 200 mg/5 ml oral solution, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free:

Before taking Sodium valproate, shake the bottle well. Then, carefully pour the liquid into a medicine measure to make sure you get the correct dose. You can get a medicine measure from your pharmacist. You may have a glass of water after you have taken your medicine if you want.
If the dose is exactly 5ml or 2.5ml, you can use a measuring spoon. Otherwise, if your dose is less than 5mls, you should measure the dose with an oral syringe. You can get measuring spoons and oral syringes from your pharmacist.

Sodium valproate 400 mg injection vials and diluent:

The person giving you this form of Sodium valproate will use the product information leaflet to give you the medicine correctly.
How Much Sodium valproate to Take
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets, 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

The label on the medicine pack tells you how much Sodium valproate you should take. This will be the dose that you and your prescriber agreed you should take.

Sodium valproate 400 mg injection vials and diluent:

The person giving you this form of Sodium valproate will work out the dose for you.
Other Things You Need To Know
Here are some important things you should know about taking Sodium valproate. If you have any other questions or want more advice, ask your prescriber. Or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Finding The Right Dose

To reduce the chance of side effects it is normal to start with a small amount of Sodium valproate. Your prescriber may increase or decrease the dose over a few weeks to find the best dose for controlling your seizures. At some point, your prescriber may ask you to have a blood test to measure the level of Sodium valproate in your body. This will help you and your prescriber find the best dose for controlling your seizures.
How Quickly Does it Work?
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets, 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

Sodium valproate starts to work in a few hours. But when you first start to take Sodium valproate it may be a few weeks before it starts to help you.

Sodium valproate 400 mg injection vials and diluent:

It starts to work within a few minutes.
What If I Take Too Much?

If you have a single extra dose of Sodium valproate, or have your dose too early, it is not likely to cause problems. But more than one extra dose of Sodium valproate can be dangerous. If you take extra doses, call your prescriber or go straight to your local Accident and Emergency department, taking your medicine with you. If you are not sure, call your prescriber or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
What If I Miss A Dose?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go on as before. But if the next dose is due within 2 hours, take the missed dose now, skip the next dose, and then return to your normal pattern. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Can I Change My Dose?

You should not change your dose of Sodium valproate without talking to your prescriber first. Changing your dose may bring your seizures back. If you are having problems with your dose, talk to your prescriber.
Can I Stop Taking Sodium valproate?

You should not stop taking Sodium valproate without discussing it with your prescriber. Stopping Sodium valproate suddenly may cause your seizures to come back. If you are having problems with your dose or if you want to stop taking Sodium valproate, talk to your prescriber.
How Long Will I Need To Take It For?

If you notice that after taking Sodium valproate your seizures occur less often or stop, then this is a sign that Sodium valproate is working. If you suddenly stop taking Sodium valproate your seizures could return. If it is possible for you to come off Sodium valproate your prescriber will reduce your dose a little at a time.
What If It Is Not Working?

Keeping a record of your seizures once you have started to take Sodium valproate will help you and your prescriber see how well Sodium valproate works for you. If Sodium valproate does not control your seizures, talk to your prescriber, who may change the dose or prescribe something else. Even if you think Sodium valproate is not working, do not stop taking it until you have talked to your prescriber.
What If I Feel Ill?

If you feel ill and you think it may be because of Sodium valproate, you should talk to your prescriber or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. If you feel ill for some other reason such as a stomach upset or the 'flu, you still need to have your normal amount of Sodium valproate to control your seizures. If you cannot take Sodium valproate or you cannot keep the medicine down, talk to your prescriber.
How Do I Store Sodium valproate?

If you are in charge of storing the Sodium valproate, follow these instructions.
Try to keep Sodium valproate in the original container, as the dose will be on the label and it will help keep the medicine in the best condition. Do not take Sodium valproate after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets:

Always keep Sodium valproate in a safe place where children cannot reach or see it. An ideal place is a locked cabinet, 1.5 metres (5 feet) off the ground.

Do not store above 30°C (85°F). It is best to avoid placing this medicine close to a radiator, boiler or airing cupboard.

Store Sodium valproate in a dry place (protect from moisture).

Protect from light, do not keep it on a window-sill.

Sodium valproate 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 400 mg injection vials and diluent, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

Always keep Sodium valproate in a safe place where children cannot reach or see it. An ideal place is a locked cabinet, 1.5 metres (5 feet) off the ground.

Sodium valproate 200 mg/5 ml oral solution:

Always keep Sodium valproate in a safe place where children cannot reach or see it. An ideal place is a locked cabinet, 1.5 metres (5 feet) off the ground.

Do not store above 30°C (85°F). It is best to avoid placing this medicine close to a radiator, boiler or airing cupboard.

Protect from light, do not keep it on a window-sill.

Do not use Sodium valproate if it shows signs of damage. If you have any unused Sodium valproate, return it to your pharmacist who will dispose of it safely.
How Sodium valproate May Affect You
What to expect when you take Sodium valproate. Why people feel ill when they take medicines. What to watch out for and what to do if you feel ill.
Why Medicines Can Make You Feel Ill

Medicines can affect people in different ways. Sometimes people find that a medicine helps one problem, but causes another. This is called a side-effect. All medicines can cause side effects. Some side-effects can cause serious problems, but most side-effects are not dangerous.

It can be difficult to know when a side-effect is serious. In general, if you feel unwell or are worried about a side-effect, contact your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Side-effects relate to the way the medicine works and affects your body. Many side-effects will go away after a few days of starting a new medicine. If they don’t or are troublesome this may mean that you and your prescriber need to consider a more suitable medicine for you.

Sometimes you might feel unwell but this may not be a side-effect. It might be due to another illness or things that are happening in your life. But if you feel unwell or are worried, you should contact your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse.

For most people, the benefits from a medicine outweigh the side-effects. Working with your prescriber, you should be able to find the best dose to balance the benefit with the side-effects.

It is important to take your medicine exactly as your prescriber has told you. This can reduce the chance and severity of side-effects, as well as improve the benefit that you can get from having the medicine.

Side-Effects - What to Watch Out For

This is the list of side-effects that Sodium valproate can cause. You may not get any of these side-effects, but you may get some. While you are taking Sodium valproate, these are the things you should watch out for:

  • Acne
  • Aggression
  • alertness - increase in alertness, aggression
  • Allergic reactions
  • Anaemia
  • Ankle swelling
  • Behaviour - hyperactivity and behavioural deterioration
  • Behaviour - inappropriate behaviour
  • Bleeding - unexplained bleeding
  • Breasts - increased breast growth in men
  • Bruising - tendency to bruise more easily
  • Bruising - unexplained bruising
  • Coma
  • Concentration - poor concentration
  • Drowsiness
  • Fever
  • Hair - increase in growth of body hair
  • Hair loss
  • Hallucinations
  • Increase frequency in getting infections
  • Increased appetite, weight gain
  • Jaundice
  • Lethargy
  • Liver problems
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Movements - unsteady movement
  • Nausea
  • Pancreatitis
  • Periods - changes in your periods, they may stop or become irregular
  • Rash or rashes
  • Reversible dementia
  • Sedation
  • Seizures - loss of seizure control or change in the character of the seizure
  • Skin - painful, red or itchy skin
  • Sore throat
  • Stupor
  • Tremor
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Weight gain
  • Weight loss

If you have any of the above, it may be due to the medicine. Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine for more information. If you did not get a Patient Information Leaflet with your medicine, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you feel unwell or are worried, contact your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse at once. Do not waste any time if you feel very ill. Your prescriber may decide to change the dose or stop you from having this medicine again. If you cannot contact your prescriber, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Other Information
See here for more detailed lists.
Prescription Medicine Interactions
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets:

The following medicines may interact with Sodium valproate:

Anticoagulants
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Aspirin
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Bupropion
Carbamazepine
 Chloroquine
Cimetidine
Colestyramine
Erythromycin
Ethosuximide
Felbamate
Hydroxychloroquine
Imipenem
Lamotrigine
 MAO Inhibitors
Mefloquine
Meropenem
Oxcarbazepine
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Temozolomide
Zidovudine

If you are taking Sodium valproate and one of the above medicines or type of medicines, talk to your prescriber, pharmacist, or nurse or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. If you are not sure if your medicine belongs to one of these categories, talk to your prescriber of pharmacist.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine for more information.

Sodium valproate 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 400 mg injection vials and diluent, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

The following medicines may interact with Sodium valproate:

Anticoagulants
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Aspirin
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Bupropion
Carbamazepine
 Chloroquine
Cimetidine
Colestyramine
Erythromycin
Ethosuximide
Felbamate
Hydroxychloroquine
Imipenem
Lamotrigine
 MAO Inhibitors
Mefloquine
Meropenem
Oxcarbazepine
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Primidone
Temozolomide
Zidovudine

If you are taking Sodium valproate and one of the above medicines or type of medicines, talk to your prescriber, pharmacist, or nurse or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. If you are not sure if your medicine belongs to one of these categories, talk to your prescriber of pharmacist.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine for more information.

Do not take Sodium valproate within 2 hours of taking an antacid that contains either magnesium or aluminium. If you do, it will stop Sodium valproate from working as well as normal. It is best not to take Sodium valproate with other medicines that can damage your liver (hepatotoxic medicines). For more information on hepatotoxic medicines talk to your prescriber of pharmacist.

Sodium valproate 200 mg/5 ml oral solution:

The following medicines may interact with Sodium valproate:

Anticoagulants
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Aspirin
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Bupropion
Carbamazepine
 Chloroquine
Cimetidine
Colestyramine
Erythromycin
Ethosuximide
Felbamate
Hydroxychloroquine
Imipenem
Lamotrigine
 MAO Inhibitors
Mefloquine
Meropenem
Oxcarbazepine
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Primidone
Temozolomide
Zidovudine

If you are taking Sodium valproate and one of the above medicines or type of medicines, talk to your prescriber, pharmacist, or nurse or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. If you are not sure if your medicine belongs to one of these categories, talk to your prescriber of pharmacist.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine for more information.
Non-Prescription Medicine Interactions
Sodium valproate 100 mg tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution:

The following Medicines may interact with Sodium valproate:

Aspirin
Cimetidine

If you are taking Sodium valproate and one of the above medicines or type of medicines, talk to your prescriber, pharmacist, or nurse or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. If you are not sure if your medicine belongs to one of these categories, talk to your prescriber of pharmacist.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine for more information.

Sodium valproate 200 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 200 mg modified-release tablets, 200 mg/5 ml oral solution sugar free, 300 mg modified-release tablets, 400 mg injection vials and diluent, 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets, 500 mg modified-release tablets:

The following Medicines may interact with Sodium valproate:

Aspirin
Cimetidine

If you are taking Sodium valproate and one of the above medicines or type of medicines, talk to your prescriber, pharmacist, or nurse or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. If you are not sure if your medicine belongs to one of these categories, talk to your prescriber of pharmacist.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine for more information.

Do not take Sodium valproate within 2 hours of taking an antacid that contains either magnesium or aluminium. If you do, it will stop Sodium valproate from working as well as normal.
Further Information
See here for links to other relevant documents about Sodium valproate and Epilepsy

Use the resources below for more information on Sodium valproate, Epilepsy and other medicines and conditions.

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