Valkem CR 200mg Tablet 10'S

Introduction About VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET

VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET contains Divalproex, which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-epileptic drugs. It is used to manage manic episodes related to bipolar disorder. It is also used in adults and children (10 years and above) to manage complex partial seizures, with or without other seizure types and to manage migraine headaches.

Epilepsy (fits or seizures) is a condition that occurs as a result of the abnormal electrical activity of the brain, which may lead to loss of consciousness, abnormal muscle movements or behaviour, etc. Partial seizures involve a specific area of the brain but may spread to the entire brain and cause a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Before the management, your physician may want you to take relevant tests to understand your existing condition. Avoid consumption of alcohol VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET, as it may make you feel drowsy.

VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with liver disease or significant liver dysfunction or urea cycle disorders. Before taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET, inform your physician if you have kidney problems, systemic lupus erythematosus and porphyria. VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET should be used with caution by pregnant and breastfeeding women. VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET is not recommended for use by children (aged 10 years or younger).

The most common side effects of taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, double vision, weight gain, problems with walking or coordination, headache, weakness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, hair loss, sleepiness, tremors, blurry vision, increased appetite, loss of appetite, etc. Contact your physician if any of the side effects worsen or if you have thoughts of harming yourself.

Uses Of VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET

• Manage mania and bipolar disorder
• Manage complex partial seizures, with or without other seizure types
• Manage migraine

How VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET Works

VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET helps to control abnormal electrical activity in the brain (by binding to sodium channels), thus reducing the chances of having fits or seizures.

How to use VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET

Take VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.

Side Effects Of VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET

How To Manage Side Effects

Nausea:

Take VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET with or immediately after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persist.

Vomiting:

Take adequate rest and drink sufficient amount of water. Do not take spicy or oily foods. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persist.

Headache:

Drink an ample amount of water. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Ask your physician before taking any medicine for headaches. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persist.

Dizziness:

Lie down till the dizziness is gone, then get up slowly. Move slowly and carefully, do not hurry. Get adequate rest. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persist.

Diarrhoea:

Drink more fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your physician. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persist.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller meals more frequently. Keep a heating pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, contact your physician. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persist.

Loss of appetite:

Eat when you are hungry. Eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack that is rich in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persist.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women as it can cause developmental defects and decreased IQ level of the baby. Consult your physician before taking it.

Breastfeeding

VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women only if recommended by your doctor, as it passes through the breast milk and can affect breastfeeding babies. Consult your physician before taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET.

Driving and Using Machines

Do not drive or operate any machines after taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET if you experience dizziness, drowsiness, balance or coordination problems, eye problems like double or blurred vision, low blood levels of sodium causing muscle weakness, or decreased consciousness.

Alcohol

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET as it might make you feel sleepy or drowsy. Consult your physician for advice.

Allergy

Do not take VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET if you are allergic to Divalproex or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET, inform your physician if you are taking any of the following medicine:

• other medicines used to manage fits (Ex. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, valproic acid, felbamate and topiramate)
• medicines used to manage pregnancy (Ex. ethinyl estradiol, desogestrel)
• medicines to manage mental illness (Ex. lithium, phenelzine, moclobemide)
• medicines used to relieve pain and inflammation (Ex. indomethacin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• medicines used to control your immune system (Ex. ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
• rifampicin, meropenem (used to manage infections)
• antacids (Ex. aluminium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate)
• medicines used to manage ulcers (Ex. cimetidine and ranitidine)
• medicines used to thin the blood (Ex. warfarin, aspirin)
• medicines used to manage HIV (Ex. zidovudine)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET, consult your physician immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are drowsiness, heart block and deep coma.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET out of reach of children
• Store VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET at room temperature

FAQs About VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET

Can taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET lead to suicidal thoughts?

Thoughts of harming or killing self are seen in a small number of patients being managed with VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET. If you have such thoughts at any time, immediately contact your physician or go to the nearby hospital.

Can I continue taking my contraceptive pill with VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET?

No. VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET can stop hormonal contraceptives from working properly. Another form of contraception should also be used to help manage unwanted pregnancy while taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET. Inform your physician immediately if you have irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting. If you have any doubts about this, discuss it with your physician.

Can I crush VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET if I cannot swallow it whole?

No. Swallow VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET with a glass of water. If you cannot swallow it whole, do not crush or chew it. Instead, break the medicine with the help of the score line. Consult your, physician, for other forms of VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET that you can take.

What if I forget to take a dose of VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET?

If you forget to take a dose of VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET twice to make up for a forgotten dose.

Can I stop taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET?

Do not stop taking VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET without consulting your physician, as it can lead to a sudden increase in fits. If you have any more doubts about using VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET, ask your physician.

Can VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET be used in pregnancy?

VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnancy as there may be a risk to your baby. However, it is important to control epileptic fits during pregnancy. Your physician will help you decide whether you should take VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET by discussing the benefits and risks involved. Do not stop your management with VALKEM CR 200MG TABLET during pregnancy without asking your physician.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Antiepileptic Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth Edition. 2019. Page 411– 424.

2. Steven C Stoner and Megan M Dahmen. Extended-release divalproex in bipolar and other psychiatric disorders: A comprehensive review. Journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. December 2007. [Accessed on 21st July 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656326/

3. Nilesh Shah, M.S.Reddy, Sandeep Vohra, Uday Chaudhuri, Senthilnathan Mohanasundaram. Safety and effectiveness of divalproex sodium extended release containing regimen in Indian patients with bipolar I disorder in continuation phase: Results of EASED registry. Asian Journal of Psychiatry. April 2016. [Accessed on 21st July 2022] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876201815002816

4. Epilepsy Foundation. Divalproex Sodium. [Accessed on 21st July 2022] https://www.epilepsy.com/tools-resources/seizure-medication-list/divalproex-sodium

5. AbbVie Inc. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [Revised in February 2016] [Accessed on 21st July 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018723s056lbl.pdf

6. Abbott Laboratories. Food and Drug Administration. [Revised in February 2016] [Accessed on 21st July 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/18081s44,18082s27,18723s33,19680s22,20593s15,21168s14lbl.pdf

7. AbbVie Inc. Depakote. [Revised in February 2016] [Accessed on 21st July 2022] https://www.depakote.com/

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• MRI

Author Details

Written By Dr. Dhivakaran R - BDS

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Last updated on 21 Oct 2022 | 10:32 AM(IST)