Valproate Sodium (By injection)
VAL-proe-ate SOE-dee-um
Treats seizures.
Drug classes
Anticonvulsant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Valproate sodium injection is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how valproate sodium works. Tell your doctor if you also use the following:
Aspirin, amitriptyline, clonazepam, diazepam, nortriptyline, rifampin, tolbutamide, zidovudine Antibiotics, such as ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem A blood thinner, such as warfarin Other seizure medicines (carbamazepine, ethosuximide, felbamate, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate)Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to divalproex, valproate sodium, or valproic acid, if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease or certain genetic disorders (such as urea cycle disorder or mitochondrial disorder, including Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome).
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or pancreas problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Liver problems Pancreatitis Hyperammonemic encephalopathy (high levels of ammonia in the blood that could harm your brain)This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Confusion, problems with memory, muscle twitching, problems with balance, walking, or speech
Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, rash, swollen glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Anxiety, agitation, depression, restlessness, trouble sleeping
Blurred vision or double vision
Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset
Dizziness, drowsiness
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Depacon, Epiject Iv, Novaplus Valproate Sodium, PremierPro RX Valproate Sodium
There may be other brand names for this medicine.