Pregnancy Interaction

• Not safe during pregnancy (high risk, category D/X)
• Valkem -OD 500mg Tablet can cause significant birth abnormalities like:
• Spina bifida is a type of neural tube abnormality.
• Problems with the heart
• Facial deformities
• Delay in development
• Low IQ and problems with thinking
• Disorders on the autism spectrum
• Don't use it while pregnant unless there is no other safe option.
• Women who can get pregnant must take birth control that works.
• If you get pregnant, call your doctor right away.

Faq For Medicine

Q1. What is the purpose of Valkem -OD 500mg Tablet?

It is used to stop migraines, epilepsy, and bipolar illness.

Q2. Is Valproic Acid and Divalproex the same thing?

Yes, the body turns Divalproex into Valproic Acid.

Q3. When should I take it?

Take every day at the same time, preferably after a meal.

Q4. Is it safe to take for a long time?

Yes, but you need to check your blood regularly.

Q5. Can I just stop taking Valkem -OD 500mg Tablet?

No. Stopping suddenly can cause seizures or manic episodes.

Q6. Does it help when you're stressed or anxious?

It is not a drug for anxiety, although it might assist if the symptoms are related to bipolar disorder.

Expert Advice

• You shouldn't discontinue without a doctor's permission.
• Tests that need to be done regularly include blood counts, liver function, renal function, and serum valproate levels.
• Stay away from alcohol; it makes you sleepy and raises your risk of liver damage.
• If you notice yellow skin, vomiting, severe stomach discomfort, or unusual bleeding, you should call your doctor right once.
• Don't drive if you feel tired or dizzy.
• To keep from gaining weight, eat a healthy diet and work out.
• Women must utilize strict birth control and not get pregnant.

 Side Effects

• Common:
• Feeling sick
• Throwing up
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Shakes
• Gaining weight
• Thinning or losing hair
• Pain in the stomach
• Feeling dizzy
• Not as Common:
• Changes in mood
• Vision that isn't clear
• Legs that are swollen
• Not enough sodium
• Very serious (Get medical help):
• Hurt the liver
• Pancreatitis
• A very bad allergic reaction
• Bleeding or bruising that isn't normal
• High levels of ammonia can cause confusion, sleepiness, and changes in behavior.

 How It Works

• Divalproex turns into Valproic Acid, which is
• Boosts GABA, a chemical that calms you down
• Keeps the brain's electrical activity stable
• Lessens the number of seizures
• Stops mood swings in people with bipolar disorder
• Stops migraines by slowing down nerves that are over excited.

Medicine Interaction

• Be careful when using the following medicines:
• Lamotrigine: risk of serious skin reaction
• Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and Phenobarbital: changed amounts of drugs
• Warfarin – risk of bleeding
• Aspirin raises the levels of valproate.
• Topiramate—high amounts of ammonia
• Antidepressants—more sleepiness
• Less effective birth control pills
• CNS depressants (such alcohol and sleeping medications) make you more sleepy.

 How to Use

• Take as directed, which is usually once or twice a day.
• Take after meals to ease stomach discomfort.
• Do not crush; just swallow whole (particularly if it is extended-release).
• Take it at the same time every day.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it's close to your next dose. Don't take two doses.

 Uses / Indications

• Epilepsy (seizures that are both generalized and partial)
• Bipolar disorder (mania and maintenance treatment)
• Stopping migraine headaches
• Sometimes used for nerve pain (as a doctor said)