Dipodium 500mg Syrup

Sodium valproate is an anticonvulsant. It calms abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is used to:

• treat several types of epilepsy (seizures)
• treat mania in bipolar disorder
• help prevent migraine attacks (it does not treat a migraine that has already started)

Take sodium valproate exactly as your doctor tells you, at about the same time each day.

• Taking it with food can help prevent an upset stomach.
• Swallow modified-release and gastro-resistant tablets whole; do not crush or chew them. Granules or sprinkle capsules can be mixed with soft food as the leaflet explains.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Do not take a double dose.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly, even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly can bring on serious seizures. Your doctor will reduce the dose slowly if needed.
• You will need regular check-ups, including a yearly review.

Common side effects include:

• feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or tummy upset
• weight gain or appetite changes
• shaking (tremor), unsteadiness, headache, drowsiness
• hair thinning

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• yellow skin or eyes, extreme tiredness, swelling, or repeated vomiting (possible liver problems)
• severe tummy pain with sickness (possible pancreatitis)
• unusual bruising or bleeding, fever or swollen glands
• confusion or unusual sleepiness
• a rash with blistering or peeling skin, or swelling of the face, lips or throat
• thoughts of harming yourself

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have liver disease
• have a rare inherited condition such as a urea cycle disorder or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome
• could become pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• are a man who may want to father a child
• take aspirin, cannabidiol (CBD) or other epilepsy medicines

Tell any surgeon, dentist or laboratory that you take valproate.

Keep it in its original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy: valproate can cause serious birth defects and learning and behaviour problems in children exposed in the womb. Girls and women who could become pregnant must use effective contraception and join the pregnancy prevention programme. If you think you are pregnant, contact your doctor urgently but do not stop taking it on your own.

Men: use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after stopping.

Alcohol and driving: alcohol can increase drowsiness. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.