Description
Epival is used to control certain types of seizures while treating epilepsy. Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and dialproex belong to a group of medicines that are anticonvulsants that help treat epilepsy. Epival can also be used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and to help prevent migraines.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep Epival out of the reach of children and away from pets. Keep the syrup form of this medicine from freezing. Discard any expired medicines.
Children taking Epival sometimes experience abdominal or stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting, tiredness or weakness, and jaundice. Children under 2 years old who are taking more than one medicine for seizure control and children who have other medical conditions may be more likely to develop serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Epival in children. Tell your doctor about any prescription, non-prescription, and supplements that you might be using before taking Epival. Some drugs can react with Epival and cause unwanted side effects.
Tell your doctor that you are using Epival before having any medical tests or if you are about to have surgery. The medicine in Epival can give you false results on tests and change the time it takes for your blood to clot, which might increase your chance of bleeding. Do not stop using this medication without the advice of a doctor. Alcohol adds to the side effects of Epival. Do not drink while using Epival. This medicine may you feel drowsy or less alert. Do not perform any dangerous tasks that require you to be alert before you know how you respond to Epival.
Patient Family Information : Follow your doctors dosing instructions and read the label on your prescription bottle. For patients using the capsule form of Epival: Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or break the capsule. This will prevent irritation in the mouth or throat. For patients using the delayed-release capsule: Swallow the capsule whole or sprinkle the contents on a small amount of soft food. For patients using the delayed-release tablet: swallow the tablet whole without chewing, crushing, or breaking. This will prevent damage to the coating that helps lessen irritation to the stomach. For patients using the syrup form: the syrup may be mixed with any liquid or added to food. For patients using the oral dosage forms: these medicines must be taken with snacks or meals to prevent a stomach ache.
Do not use this medicine if you have had any allergic reactions to valproic acid, valproate sodium, or divalproex. Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex have been reported to cause birth defects when taken by the mother in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Do not take Epival while breast-feeding a baby. The medicines in Epival are known to pass through breast milk. Discuss with your doctor about the risks of taking Epival while breast-feeding.
Sever Side Effects : Call your doctor if any of the following serious side effects occur: body aches or pain; congestion; cough; dryness or soreness in the throat; fever; hoarseness; runny nose; tender swollen glands in the neck; trouble with swallowing; voice changes; severe
Less serious side effects include: mild abdominal stomach cramps; acidic or sour stomach; belching; heartburn; indigestion; stomach discomfort; upset or pain; change in menstrual periods; paranoia/crying; emotional over-reactions; rapidly changing moods;
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