Manufacturer: Abbott
Salt Composition : Divalproex(500mg/5ml)
Valance Oral Solution may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit.
It usually takes a couple of weeks to work. It is important to take this medicine regularly and for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing doses may trigger seizures and, if you stop, your condition may get worse. It should never be stopped suddenly.
This medicine's most common side effects include headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, and unsteadiness. Most of these are not serious. Keep taking the medicine but talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. However, if you notice a skin rash or redness, tell your doctor straight away. Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) and increase your risk of breaking a bone. Also, Valance Oral Solution may rarely lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If your mood becomes depressed, tell your doctor.
This medicine may not be suitable for everybody. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. Drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can increase some of the side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures. You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor make sure you are taking the right dose both before you start and while you are using it.
Divalproex dissociates from the valproic acid ion in the intestinal tract. Its mechanism of action likely includes increasing brain GABA concentrations, and Na+ channel inhibition. Valproic acid is effective in treating myoclonic, tonic–clonic, focal seizures, and secondary generalized seizures.
Divalproex sodium dissociates to the valproate ion in the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanisms by which valproate exerts its therapeutic effects have not been established. It has been suggested that its activity in epilepsy is related to increased brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Valance
Headache
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Weakness
Abdominal pain
Infection
Nausea
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Hair loss
Weight gain
Double vision
Diarrhea
Tremors
Weight loss
Flu-like symptoms
Depakote is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug [see Warnings and Precautions . Depakote is contraindicated in patients with known urea cycle disorders [see Warnings and Precautions . Hepatic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in patients receiving valproate.
Valance Oral Solution is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Valance Oral Solution may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Valance Oral Solution is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a valproate and is indicated for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, phenelzine), certain antibiotics (carbapenems such as imipenem), irinotecan, mefloquine, orlistat, other medications for seizure (such as ethosuximide, lamotrigine, phenytoin, rufinamide, topiramate)
Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Valance Oral Solution may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Store below 30°C
If you miss a dose of Valance Oral Solution, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
It can be taken with or without food, but better to take with food to avoid stoamch upset.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
Practice yoga every day.
Get enough sleep at nighttime.
Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
Take your medication on time.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor how the medication is affecting your body. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Valance Oral Solution may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Q. What happens if I stop taking Valance Oral Solution?
You should not stop taking Valance Oral Solution without consulting your doctor. The dose of Valance Oral Solution should be reduced gradually and eventually can be stopped under the supervision of a doctor or specialist. Suddenly stopping the medication may lead to recurrence of symptoms or irritability, anxiety, dizziness and tremors.
Q. Is Valance Oral Solution a mood stabilizer?
Yes, Valance Oral Solution can sometimes be used as a mood stabilizer. It is given in patients who experience rapid changes in their mood. It works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mood changes.
Q. Can Valance Oral Solution cause weight gain?
Yes, Valance Oral Solution may cause weight gain. The gain in weight could be due to an increase in hunger. Keep a check on your diet and exercise regularly to prevent any weight gain. If you are have concerns related to weight gain, consult your doctor.
Q. Does Valance Oral Solution make you sleepy?
Yes, Valance Oral Solution may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
