Valrate CR 500

Composition of Valrate CR 500

Valrate CR 500 contains Sodium Valproate (333mg) + Valproic Acid (145mg). It belongs to the Anticonvulsant (valproate) class of medicines.

Uses of Valrate CR 500

• Epilepsy (various seizure types)
• Bipolar disorder (acute mania and maintenance)
• Prevention of migraine (when prescribed)

Key benefits

• Controls and prevents seizures
• Stabilizes mood in bipolar disorder
• Helps prevent migraine attacks (when prescribed)
• Reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain

How Valrate CR 500 works

Valproate increases brain levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and reduces excessive neuronal firing. It also modulates sodium and calcium channels, helping stabilize electrical activity in the brain.

How to take Valrate CR 500

Take by mouth exactly as prescribed. Swallow the controlled-release tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew or split. Usually taken with or after food to reduce stomach upset; take at the same time each day.

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

If you miss a dose of Valrate CR 500 Tablet, 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.

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 Valrate CR 500

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

• Nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• diarrhoea
• indigestion
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• tremor
• headache
• weight gain
• increased appetite
• hair loss
• menstrual irregularities
• elevated liver enzymes

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 500

Warnings and precautions

Not recommended in pregnancy due to high risk of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders; effective contraception is required for women of childbearing potential. Risk of serious liver injury (especially in children <2 years or with mitochondrial disorders), pancreatitis, hyperammonaemia/encephalopathy, thrombocytopenia/bleeding, and suicidal thoughts/behavior—seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, jaundice, unusual bruising/bleeding, or confusion. Monitor liver function tests, CBC/platelets and valproate levels as advised. Use caution in hepatic disease, urea cycle disorders, renal impairment, and when operating machinery due to drowsiness.

Do not take Valrate CR 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

Carbapenem antibiotics (meropenem/imipenem/ertapenem), lamotrigine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, topiramate, clonazepam and other CNS depressants, warfarin/anticoagulants, aspirin/salicylates, rifampicin

How to store Valrate CR 500

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

Expert advice for Valrate CR 500

Take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in your body. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Valrate CR 500 Tablet affects you. Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Valrate CR 500 Tablet, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. Monitor your weight during the treatment as Valrate CR 500 Tablet can cause weight gain. Your doctor may monitor the level of medicine in your body, your blood counts, and liver function regularly throughout your treatment. Inform your doctor if you develop fever, stomach pain, nausea, or yellowing of your eyes or skin. Do not take Valrate CR 500 Tablet if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor, as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

IPCA LABORATORIES LTD`

Therapeutic class:

Antiepileptic, Mood stabilizer

Drug class:

Anticonvulsant (valproate)