Epilex 200 Tablet

Composition of Epilex 200 Tablet

Epilex 200 Tablet contains Sodium Valproate 200 mg. It belongs to the Anticonvulsant (Valproate) class of medicines.

Uses of Epilex 200 Tablet

• Epilepsy (generalized and focal seizures)
• prevention of migraine (as prescribed)
• bipolar disorder/mania (as prescribed)

Key benefits

• Helps prevent and control seizures
• Stabilizes abnormal brain electrical activity
• Reduces seizure frequency and severity
• Used in certain mood disorders as prescribed

How Epilex 200 Tablet works

Sodium valproate increases the level of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain and reduces abnormal electrical activity. This helps stabilize neuronal firing and prevents seizures.

How to take Epilex 200 Tablet

Take exactly as prescribed, usually with food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush unless advised. Do not stop suddenly; dose is adjusted gradually based on response and blood tests.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause deep unconsciousness, slowed breathing and dangerous heart rhythm disturbance. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Epilex 200 Tablet

Most side effects of Epilex are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• increased appetite
• weight gain
• tremor
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• hair loss
• headache

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Epilex 200 Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Risk of severe liver injury and pancreatitis; seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, jaundice, dark urine, unusual fatigue. Can cause serious birth defects and developmental disorders; effective contraception is required in women of childbearing potential. Monitor liver function, platelet count, and ammonia if symptomatic; caution in bleeding disorders. May cause drowsiness; avoid driving if affected. Do not discontinue abruptly due to risk of seizures.

Do not take Epilex if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Valproate-containing medicines are contraindicated in pregnancy for epilepsy unless no alternative exists, and in all women of childbearing potential without a pregnancy prevention programme. Several are not suitable in significant liver disease.

Interactions with other medicines

Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, lamotrigine (increased risk of rash/toxicity), topiramate (risk of hyperammonemia), warfarin and other anticoagulants (bleeding risk), aspirin (increased valproate levels/bleeding), CNS depressants and alcohol (increased sedation)

How to store Epilex 200 Tablet

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Epilex 200 Tablet

Take it at the same times every day; a missed dose is a common trigger for a seizure. Keep a seizure diary and take it to your appointments. Tell your doctor before planning a pregnancy — the regimen may need to be changed well in advance. Do not drive until you meet the legal seizure-free period and your doctor agrees.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

ABBOTT HEALTHCARE LIMITED

Therapeutic class:

Antiepileptic

Drug class:

Anticonvulsant (Valproate)