Epival Tablet

Dr. Emily Brown

Dr. Ryan Mitchell

## What is Epival Tablet

Epival Tablet is a prescription anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication used to treat Epilepsy, including various types of seizures, Bipolar Disorder, and Manic episodes. It contains FDA-approved Sodium Valproate 200 mg. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd manufactures the tablets in GMP-compliant facilities.

Sodium Valproate works by increasing Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) levels, the brain’s primary inhibitory chemical messenger, which calms overactive nerve signals. It also blocks sodium channels in brain cells, reducing their ability to fire repeatedly and uncontrollably. This dual action stabilizes electrical activity in the brain, preventing seizures and moderating the mood extremes associated with Bipolar Disorder. It also helps prevent migraine.

The dose of Epival is determined by the doctor based on the patient’s age, condition being treated, weight, and response to treatment. It is typically taken 2-3 times daily. Common Sodium Valproate side effects of this medicine include nausea, drowsiness, and hand tremors.

Inform the doctor immediately about any unusual bruising, persistent nausea, or yellowing of the skin, as these can indicate rare but serious effects on the liver or blood. Never stop Epival suddenly without consulting the doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can cause a rapid return of seizures or mood episodes.

Store Epival Tablets at room temperature below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from sunlight and moisture and out of reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date.

## What are the benefits of taking Epival Tablet

Sodium Valproate raises GABA levels in the brain and blocks sodium channels in overactive nerve cells, reducing abnormal electrical firing. This dual mechanism makes it effective across a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Epival Tablet is effective in treating:

Epilepsy, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, and partial seizures.

Bipolar Disorder and reducing the frequency or severity of Manic and depressive episodes.

Acute Mania, by calming the neurological overactivity that drives elevated mood, impulsive behavior, and racing thoughts.

Migraine symptom prevention with long-term use.

## How to take Epival Tablet

Epival Tablet is a prescription medication. Use only as directed by a healthcare professional. General usage guidelines are as follows:

Take the tablet 2-3 times daily at evenly spaced intervals, or as directed by the doctor.

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water without crushing, breaking, or chewing it.

Take it with food or after a meal to reduce the chances of stomach upset.

Do not stop taking Epival without consulting the doctor, even if symptoms have improved.

## Strengths and Substitutes

Epival Tablet is currently available in a single strength at Cheap Medicine Shop. However, you can consider the following formulations and substitutes:

View all substitutes

## What are the side effects of Epival Tablet

While generally well-tolerated, this medicine can cause side effects that are usually mild and often subside as the body adjusts to treatment. However, consult a qualified healthcare professional if they persist or worsen:

Nausea or stomach discomfort

Drowsiness or fatigue

Fine hand tremors

Weight gain

Hair thinning or hair loss

Dizziness or unsteadiness

## Safety Advice

Liver Disease

Sodium Valproate is metabolized in the liver and is contraindicated in those with severe liver disease or a history of liver dysfunction. It has been associated with serious liver toxicity, particularly in children under 2 years of age and patients with metabolic disorders. Inform the doctor about any history of liver conditions before starting Epival.

Kidney Impairment

Patients with kidney impairment can generally use Epival with caution, as Sodium Valproate is primarily metabolized by the liver rather than the kidneys. However, reduced kidney function can affect the protein binding of Valproate in the blood, altering effective medicine levels. Inform the doctor about any kidney condition, and regular monitoring of Valproate blood levels is advisable during treatment.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding women

Epival Tablet is associated with serious risks during pregnancy and should be avoided . Sodium Valproate is linked to a significantly increased risks like neural tube defects, developmental delays, and other congenital malformations. Sodium Valproate also passes into breast milk in small amounts. Breastfeeding women should consult a doctor to assess the risks before continuing treatment while nursing.

Avoid

Do not stop Epival suddenly without medical supervision, as abrupt discontinuation can trigger a rapid and dangerous return of seizures. Avoid alcohol during treatment, as it enhances the sedative effects of Sodium Valproate and can worsen drowsiness. Do not use alongside other medications that affect liver enzymes, such as Carbamazepine or Phenytoin, without close medical monitoring of Valproate blood levels. Patients with a family history of urea cycle disorders should not use this medication. Avoid using the medicine if allergic to Sodium Valproate.

## FAQs

## How does Epival Tablet work for seizures?

Epival increases GABA, the brain’s calming chemical, and blocks sodium channels in nerve cells, reducing abnormal electrical firing that causes seizures. This stabilizes brain activity and prevents episodes from occurring. It is effective across multiple seizure types, including generalized, absence, and myoclonic seizures.

## Can Epival Tablet be used for Bipolar Disorder?

Yes, Epival is prescribed for Bipolar Disorder as a mood stabilizer. It reduces the neurological overactivity that drives Manic episodes and helps prevent recurrent mood swings. It is particularly useful when other mood stabilizers, such as Lithium, are not tolerated or have not provided adequate control.

## What are the common side effects of Epival Tablet?

Common side effects of Epival include nausea, drowsiness, hand tremors, weight gain, hair thinning, and dizziness. Most of these are mild and improve as the body adjusts to treatment. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor for evaluation and possible dose adjustment.

## Is Epival Tablet safe during pregnancy?

No, Epival is not considered safe during pregnancy due to a well-established risk of neural tube defects, developmental delays, and congenital malformations. Women of childbearing age taking Epival must use reliable contraception. If pregnancy is planned, discuss alternative treatments with the doctor well in advance of attempting to conceive.

## Can Epival Tablet be taken with food?

Yes, Epival Tablet should be taken with food or after a meal. Taking it with food reduces the likelihood of nausea and stomach discomfort, which are common during the early weeks of treatment. Consistency in timing and food intake helps maintain stable medicine levels in the blood.

## Can Epival Tablet be stopped suddenly?

No, Epival must never be stopped suddenly without medical supervision. Abrupt discontinuation in patients with Epilepsy can cause a sudden and dangerous return of seizures, including status epilepticus, a life-threatening continuous seizure. In Bipolar Disorder, stopping suddenly can trigger a rapid relapse of Manic or depressive episodes.

## Does Epival Tablet cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is a known side effect of long-term Sodium Valproate use. It can occur due to increased appetite and changes in fat metabolism. Maintaining a balanced diet and physical activity during treatment helps manage this. Discuss persistent or significant weight gain with the doctor.