What is Sodium Valproate Valproic Acid Tablets?
Sodium valproate and valproic acid are medications that are commonly used to treat various medical conditions, primarily epilepsy and bipolar disorder. These two forms of the medication are closely related, with sodium valproate being a salt form of valproic acid. Both forms work in a similar way and have the same active ingredient, valproate, which is known for its anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing properties.
Sodium Valproate Valproic Acid Tablets Use
- Epilepsy: Sodium valproate and valproic acid are frequently prescribed to individuals with epilepsy. They help control and prevent seizures by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain. The specific type and frequency of seizures, as well as the patient’s age and other factors, influence the choice of medication and dosage.
- Bipolar Disorder: These medications can be used as mood stabilizers in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of mania (elevated mood and increased energy) and depression. Sodium valproate and valproic acid help regulate mood swings and reduce the severity of manic or depressive episodes.
- Migraine Prophylaxis: In cases of frequent and severe migraines, sodium valproate and valproic acid may be prescribed to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. They are often considered when other migraine preventive measures have not been effective.
Sodium Valproate Valproic Acid Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
- GABA Enhancement: One of the key mechanisms of sodium valproate and valproic acid is the enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability. These medications are believed to increase GABA levels in the brain, which leads to a calming and inhibitory effect on excessive neuronal firing. This, in turn, can help prevent or control seizures and stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.
- Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: These medications may also affect voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons. By inhibiting these channels, they reduce the excessive and repetitive firing of neurons, which can be seen in epilepsy. This inhibition of sodium channels helps to prevent the spread of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Pharmacokinetics, or how these drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in the body, can vary between individuals and is an important consideration in their clinical use. These medications are typically taken orally in tablet form, and their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract can be influenced by factors such as food. They are metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted in the urine.
Sodium Valproate Valproic Acid Tablets – Side-effects
- Neurological or Cognitive Effects
- Blood Disorders
- Pancreatitis
- Liver Function Changes
- Hair Loss
- Tremors
- Weight Gain
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness or Fatigue
