Valance Od 1000mg

VALANCE OD 1000MG

Name:

• Brand Name: VALANCE OD 1000MG (by Abbott India Ltd.)
• Common Name: Divalproex Sodium

Composition: Each VALANCE OD 1000MG tablet contains Divalproex Sodium 1000 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses: VALANCE OD 1000MG is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used for:

• Epilepsy: Treatment and prevention of various types of seizures, including complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures, by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.
• Bipolar Disorder: Management of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, helping to stabilize mood swings.
• Migraine Prophylaxis: Prevention of migraine headaches.

Dosage and Administration: This medication is taken orally as directed by a doctor. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, without crushing or chewing. It is designed for once-daily dosing, offering convenience. It can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Consistent daily intake at the same time is recommended for maximum therapeutic benefits. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition and response. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly, as this may increase the risk of seizures or worsen the condition.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, tremors, headache, blurred vision, unsteadiness, decreased body temperature, diarrhea, abdominal pain, back pain, constipation, and increased appetite.
• Serious Side Effects: Liver injury (especially within the first 6 months), pancreatitis, anemia, decreased sodium levels in the blood, skin rash, and in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or changes in mood.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy: Use with extreme caution during pregnancy (Category D), as it carries a significant risk of fetal harm. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception.
• Liver Disease: Contraindicated in patients with significant liver dysfunction; regular liver function tests are necessary, especially during the initial 6 months of therapy.
• Urea Cycle Disorders: Contraindicated in patients with urea cycle disorders.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as it can exacerbate side effects like drowsiness and dizziness, and increase seizure risk.
• Activities: May cause drowsiness or dizziness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as Divalproex Sodium can interact with drugs like carbapenem antibiotics (reduced effectiveness), anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk), and some antidepressants (increased risk of serotonin syndrome).
• Monitoring: Regular blood tests are often required to monitor liver function, blood counts, and drug levels.

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.

VALANCE OD 1000MG by ABBOTT INDIA LTD. is a medication containing Divalproex Sodium, an anticonvulsant used to manage various neurological and psychiatric conditions. It works by stabilizing nerve activity in the brain.

1. What is VALANCE OD 1000MG used for?

VALANCE OD 1000MG is primarily used to treat epilepsy, helping to control different types of seizures or fits. It is also prescribed for managing manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

2. How does VALANCE OD 1000MG work?

This medicine contains Divalproex (Divalproex Sodium), which works by decreasing excessive and abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It stabilizes nerve cells, reduces their excitability, and increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps block nerve transmission and provides a calming effect. This mechanism helps control seizures, stabilize mood, and prevent migraines.

3. What is the usual dosage for VALANCE OD 1000MG?

The precise dosage and frequency of VALANCE OD 1000MG will be determined by your doctor based on your specific condition and how you respond to the medication. It can be taken with or without food, but for best results, it is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent medication levels. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken, chewed, or crushed.

4. What are the possible side effects of VALANCE OD 1000MG?

Common side effects may include abdominal pain, back pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, tiredness, sleepiness, tremors, hair loss, and weight gain. More serious side effects can include liver injury (especially within the first 6 months of treatment, with higher risk in children under 2 years), pancreatitis, low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), high ammonia levels (hyperammonemia), and, rarely, suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

5. Is VALANCE OD 1000MG safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

VALANCE OD 1000MG is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy as there is a risk of serious birth defects, such as neural tube defects. For migraine prevention, it must not be used during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category X). For women of childbearing age, effective contraception is strongly advised. During breastfeeding, VALANCE OD 1000MG should be used with caution, as it is excreted in breast milk; consult your doctor.

6. Can VALANCE OD 1000MG be taken with other medications?

VALANCE OD 1000MG can interact with various medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements you are taking. Interactions can occur with certain antibiotics (e.g., meropenam, imipenem), aspirin, blood thinners like warfarin, some other anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin), and hormonal contraceptives (which may have reduced efficacy). Alcohol and CNS depressants can also enhance side effects like drowsiness.

7. What precautions should be taken while using VALANCE OD 1000MG?

Do not stop taking VALANCE OD 1000MG suddenly, as abrupt discontinuation can worsen seizures or lead to status epilepticus. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol consumption should be avoided due to increased risks of dizziness, drowsiness, and seizures. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, urea cycle disorders, pancreatitis, blood problems, or mitochondrial disorders. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor liver function, blood cell counts, and ammonia levels. Additionally, monitor for any changes in mood or behaviour, including suicidal thoughts.

8. What happens if a dose of VALANCE OD 1000MG is missed?

If you miss a dose of VALANCE OD 1000MG, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

9. How should VALANCE OD 1000MG be stored?

VALANCE OD 1000MG should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. The recommended storage temperature is below 30°C or between 10°C to 25°C.