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Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR

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Product introduction

Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent and control seizures (fits). It is also used in the prevention of migraines. Occasionally, it may also be used to treat bipolar disorder.

Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR 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, unsteadiness, bruising, and decreased body temperature. 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, Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR 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.

Benefits of Valkem Tablet SR

In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures

Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

In Treatment of Bipolar disorder

Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR works to restore the normal balance of nerve activity in your brain. It can help prevent extreme changes in mood and help you feel less agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of low mood. It can take several weeks for this medicine to work and you may still feel low during this time. It is likely that you will take this medicine for at least six months but possibly much longer. It needs to be taken regularly to work effectively. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor advises you to. You should continue to eat well and keep fit to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder.

In Prevention of Migraine

It is not fully established how Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR helps prevent migraines. It may change the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain or increase the activity in a region of the brain associated with migraines. By preventing and reducing the frequency of headaches, it can help you carry out your daily activities and have a better quality of life.

Side effects of Valkem Tablet SR

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 Valkem

  • Decreased body temperature
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Tremors
  • Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
  • Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
  • Decreased sodium level in blood
  • Liver injury
  • Gastrointestinal disturbance
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Deafness
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Increase in body weight
  • Pain during periods

How to use Valkem Tablet SR

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Valkem Tablet SR works

Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Safety advice

Alcohol
UNSAFE
Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR 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.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR 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.
Driving
UNSAFE
Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR is recommended.
Liver
UNSAFE
Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Valkem Tablet SR?

If you miss a dose of Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR, 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.\n

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR
₹21.0/Tablet SR
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Quick tips

  • 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.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Aliphatic Carboxylic acid Derivatives
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
NEURO CNS
Action Class
Sodium channel modulators (AED)

Patient concerns

arrow
Treatment about bipolar disorder
Dr. Ravi Shankar M.
Ayurveda
Tab. Manasa Mitra Vataki 1-0-1 and Kalyanaka Ghritam 10 gram twice a day with luke warm wtar after food and Sarswatharishta 15 ml twice a day with equal quantity of water for 2 months
Suffering from bipolar disorder
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor Madan
Psychiatry
Bipolar Affective Disorder is a chronic problem caused by Neuro chemical disturbance in brain. It is characterised by excessive mood swings leading to disruption in routine life. Treatment is with mood stabilizer medicines and antipsychotic medicines which may need to continue throughout life. Please see a psychiatrist for further guidance.
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FAQs

What happens if I stop taking Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR?

You should not stop taking Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR without consulting your doctor. The dose of Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR 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.

Is Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR a mood stabilizer?

Yes, Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR 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.

Can Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR cause weight gain?

Yes, Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR 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.

Does Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR make you sleepy?

Yes, Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

Does Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR cause hair loss?

Yes, Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR may cause hair loss. However, it is only for a short time and is usually dose related. Please consult your doctor if the hair loss bothers you or persists for a longer duration.

Can Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR damage my liver?

Yes, Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR can cause damage to the liver. The risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of starting the treatment with Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR. Symptoms of liver damage may include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark coloured urine, facial swelling, yellowing of the skin or white of eyes. Therefore, it is important to have liver function tests done before starting the medicine and. Tests should be done periodically during the first 6 months of therapy, especially in those who are likely to be at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.

Can I take alcohol while I am taking Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR?

Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on treatment with Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR. Taking alcohol with this medicine may make you feel more drowsy, light headed or dizzy.

What are the laboratory tests recommended prior to taking Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR?

The doctor may suggest blood tests before starting the treatment with Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR. The tests may include blood cell count, including platelet count, bleeding time and coagulation tests These tests are also advised to avoid any spontaneous bruising or bleeding. In addition to this, liver function tests are advised before therapy. It is recommended to periodically monitor liver function during the first 6 months of therapy, primarily in those who seem most at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.

What should be done if I start experiencing abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia?

If you experience acute severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting, it may be due to pancreatitis. Immediately consult your doctor in case you experience these symptoms. Your doctor may get your levels of serum amylase checked. In case the test shows positive results for pancreatitis, the medication should be stopped immediately.

How to check for overdose of Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR?

Overdose of Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR may cause headaches, blurred eyesight due to pupils of the eyes becoming smaller, lack of reflexes, confusion and tiredness. You may also experience weak or “floppy” muscles, fits (seizures), loss of consciousness, behavioral changes and breathing difficulties such as fast breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Immediate medical assistance is required in case of overdose.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

  1. Divalproex sodium. North Chicago: AbbVie Inc; 1983 [revised Feb. 2016]. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  2. Divalproex sodium. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories; 2006. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  3. Divalproex sodium [Medication Guide]. Halol, Gujarat: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; 2022. [Accessed 20 June 2023]. (online) Available from:External Link
  4. Divalproex sodium [Prescribing Information]. Ghaziabad, UP: Unichem Laboratories Ltd.; 2023. [Accessed 20 June 2023]. (online) Available from:External Link
  5. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link

Marketer details

Name: Alkem Laboratories Ltd
Address: Alkem Laboratories Limited, Devashish Building, Alkem House, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013.
Country of origin: India
Expires on or after: May, 2025

A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Valkem-OD 500 Tablet SR. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.

In case of any issues, contact us

Email ID: [email protected]
Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India

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