Epival 500mg Tablets

Divalproex sodium is changed by the body into valproic acid. It is an anticonvulsant medicine that increases a natural calming chemical in the brain.

It is prescribed to:

• control seizures in epilepsy
• treat episodes of mania in bipolar disorder
• reduce how often migraines happen (it is not a treatment for a migraine attack)

It is available as delayed-release tablets, extended-release tablets and sprinkle capsules. These forms release the medicine differently, so only use the one you were prescribed.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Your doctor may start with a low dose and raise it slowly, and will arrange regular blood tests.

• Take it with food to reduce stomach upset.
• Swallow delayed-release and extended-release tablets whole. Do not split, chew or crush them.
• Sprinkle capsules can be swallowed whole or opened onto a spoonful of soft food such as apple sauce and swallowed straight away without chewing.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take a double dose.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly, even if you feel well or become pregnant. Stopping suddenly can cause serious seizures. Talk to your doctor first.

Common side effects include:

• feeling or being sick, tummy pain, diarrhoea
• sleepiness, tiredness, headache, shaking (tremor)
• weight gain or appetite changes
• hair thinning or changes in hair texture
• irregular or delayed periods

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite or unusual tiredness (liver problems)
• severe tummy pain that may spread to the back, with sickness (pancreatitis)
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• confusion, extreme drowsiness or low body temperature
• a severe rash, blistering, or swelling of the face or throat
• thoughts of harming yourself (call emergency services)

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

• have or have had liver disease
• have a urea cycle disorder or a rare inherited condition called Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome
• are a woman or girl who could become pregnant, or are planning a family (men too)
• have kidney problems, HIV or CMV infection
• take aspirin, cannabidiol (CBD) or any other medicines or herbal products
• test your urine for ketones, as it can give false results

Long-term use can weaken bones, so your doctor may check your bone health.

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

Pregnancy: valproate can cause serious birth defects and problems with learning and development in the child. Women and girls who could become pregnant must use effective contraception and have regular reviews with their doctor. If you think you are pregnant, contact your doctor urgently but do not stop the medicine on your own.

Men: use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after stopping, and talk to your doctor if planning a family.

Alcohol and driving: alcohol can add to drowsiness. Do not drive until you know how this medicine affects you.

Mood: tell your doctor about any new or worsening low mood or suicidal thoughts.