Dapakan Syrup 250mg Syrup

Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic) medicine. It calms excess electrical activity in the brain and is thought to raise levels of GABA, a calming brain chemical.

It is used to:

• treat epilepsy (some brands)
• treat bipolar disorder, reducing manic episodes
• prevent migraine, usually when other medicines have not worked

Related medicines include sodium valproate and semisodium valproate (divalproex). They work the same way but doses differ.

Take valproic acid exactly as your doctor tells you. Your doctor will start with a low dose and increase it slowly.

• Swallow tablets or capsules whole with water. Do not chew them.
• Take it with or without food, but the same way each time. Taking it with food may ease stomach upset.
• Space doses evenly through the day.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together. In epilepsy, missed doses can trigger a seizure.
• Do not stop suddenly unless your doctor says so. It takes a few weeks to work fully.

Common side effects include:

• feeling or being sick, stomach pain or diarrhoea
• tiredness, sleepiness or headache
• weight gain
• thinning hair or hair changes
• dry or sore mouth, swollen gums
• irregular or late periods

Call a doctor straight away if you have:

• yellow skin or eyes, or dark pee (liver problems)
• severe sickness, vomiting or stomach pain (pancreatitis)
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• shaking or unusual eye movements

Get emergency help for thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or swelling of the lips, mouth or throat.

Tell your doctor before taking it if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to valproate or any other medicine
• have liver problems
• have a rare metabolic or genetic condition, such as porphyria, a urea cycle disorder, a mitochondrial disorder or carnitine deficiency
• could become pregnant, or (for men) plan to father a child
• take other epilepsy medicines, warfarin, aspirin, cimetidine, erythromycin, HIV medicines, antidepressants or antipsychotics, cholestyramine, or mefloquine or chloroquine

Long-term use can weaken bones. Your doctor may check your bone strength.

Keep in the original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy: valproate can cause birth defects and lifelong learning and behaviour problems. Women and girls who could become pregnant must use reliable contraception and have a yearly review. If you think you are pregnant, contact your doctor urgently, but do not stop taking it on your own.

Men: it may reduce fertility. Use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after stopping.

Driving: do not drive if you feel sleepy or dizzy. Epilepsy has its own driving rules.

Alcohol: avoid it at first, as it can increase sleepiness.