Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Pain in the stomach and abdominal area

Drowsiness

Confusion

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Nausea

Blood disorders

Skin rashes

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Irregular menstrual periods

Severe blistering skin reaction affecting the tissues of the eyes, mouth, throat and genitals.(Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)

Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)

Increased appetite and weight gain

Liver disorders

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Valproate semisodium may increase the blood levels of the following medicines:- - tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline - benzodiazepines such as lorazepam - zidovudine - primidone. Valproate semisodium may increase the blood level of lamotrigine and may increase the risk of skin reactions associated with lamotrigine. Your doctor may need to reduce your lamotrigine dose. Valproate semisodium increases the blood levels of phenobarbitone, which may result in excessive sedation if these two medicines are taken together. The dose of phenobarbitone may need to be reduced by your doctor. Valproate semisodium increases the blood levels of phenytoin and phenytoin levels should be monitored if these medicines are used together. There may be increased sedation if valproate semisodium is taken with benzodiazepines. There may be an increase in side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision and vomiting if valproate semisodium is taken with carbamazepine. The blood level of valproate semisodium may be increased by the following medicines:- - felbamate - large repeated doses of aspirin. Mefloquine may decrease the blood level of valproate semisodium. Cholestyramine may reduce the absorption of valproate semisodium from the gut. This can be minimised by separating doses of these medicines by 3 hours.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Depakote

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