Valrate CR 200

Composition of Valrate CR 200

Valrate CR 200 contains Sodium Valproate 200 mg (controlled release). It belongs to the Anticonvulsant (valproate; increases GABA activity) class of medicines.

Uses of Valrate CR 200

• Epilepsy/seizure disorders (generalised and partial seizures)
• bipolar disorder (acute mania and mood stabilisation)
• migraine prophylaxis (as prescribed)

Key benefits

• Helps control and prevent seizures
• Stabilises mood in bipolar disorder
• May help prevent migraine attacks
• Reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain

How Valrate CR 200 works

Sodium valproate increases the inhibitory action of GABA in the brain and reduces abnormal neuronal firing. This helps stabilise electrical activity in the brain and prevents seizures/mood swings.

How to take Valrate CR 200

Oral controlled-release tablet: take exactly as prescribed, preferably at the same time each day, usually with food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow whole; do not crush or chew. Do not stop suddenly without medical advice.

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 the missed dose of Valrate CR as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on with the usual schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much

Taking more Valrate CR than prescribed can be harmful. If you suspect an overdose, contact a doctor or go to the nearest emergency department at once, and carry the pack or strip with you. In India the emergency number is 112.

Side effects of Valrate CR 200

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

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

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 Valrate CR 200

Warnings and precautions

Risk of serious liver injury (highest in first 6 months) and pancreatitis—seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, jaundice, dark urine or unusual tiredness. Regular monitoring of liver function and blood counts may be needed. May cause thrombocytopenia/bleeding, hyperammonemia and increased suicidal thoughts—report mood changes. Use caution in kidney/liver disease; avoid abrupt withdrawal. Highly teratogenic: can cause major birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders—avoid in pregnancy unless no alternative; use effective contraception and consult doctor immediately if pregnant.

Interactions with other medicines

Other antiepileptics (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, lamotrigine), topiramate (risk of hyperammonemia/encephalopathy), benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants, aspirin/warfarin and other anticoagulants/antiplatelets (bleeding risk), antidepressants/antipsychotics (additive CNS effects), rifampicin (may reduce levels)

How to store Valrate CR 200

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

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

IPCA LABORATORIES LTD`

Therapeutic class:

Antiepileptic

Drug class:

Anticonvulsant (valproate; increases GABA activity)