Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR

Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR is an anticonvulsant medicine containing 500 mg of sodium valproate in each controlled-release tablet. It is used to help manage certain seizure disorders, and it may also be prescribed for other neurologic or mood-related conditions when a doctor decides sodium valproate is appropriate. The controlled-release tablet is designed to release the medicine gradually over time. Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR is a higher-strength tablet, so it is usually chosen for people whose treatment plan calls for a larger dose in a tablet form.

How it works: Sodium valproate helps calm overly active electrical signals in the brain, which can reduce the chance of seizures. In the controlled-release tablet form, Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR releases the medicine slowly after swallowing so the effect lasts longer through the day.

Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR is not a low starting strength, so it is typically suited to patients who already need a 500 mg dose or who have had their dose carefully increased by a doctor. Because it is a controlled-release tablet, it may provide steadier blood levels over the day than an immediate-release product, which can help with ongoing seizure control. A prescriber may choose this strength when a larger, less frequent tablet dose is needed.

• Epilepsy and seizure control
• Adjunct treatment for certain seizure types
• Other doctor-directed neurologic uses of sodium valproate

• Swallow Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split the controlled-release tablet unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Take it at the same time each day to keep a steady level of medicine in your body.
• It can usually be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help if it upsets your stomach.
• Do not stop taking Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR suddenly, because seizures may worsen if the medicine is withdrawn too fast.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose; do not double up unless your prescriber specifically instructs you to.

Each Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR provides 500 mg of sodium valproate in a controlled-release tablet. The doctor decides how many tablets you should take and how often, which may be once or twice daily depending on your condition and response. There is no single maximum daily dose that fits everyone, so your prescriber will individualize the total daily amount and adjust it safely.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Sodium Valproate may include:

• Nausea or stomach upset
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Tremor or shaking
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Higher-dose effects may be more noticeable if the dose is increased too quickly

• Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR is a higher-strength controlled-release tablet, so do not change the dose or tablet schedule on your own.
• Avoid alcohol unless your doctor says it is safe, because it can increase drowsiness and worsen side effects.
• Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how this tablet affects you.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, pancreas problems, or a history of blood disorders.
• This medicine can cause serious harm during pregnancy, so pregnancy planning and contraception should be discussed with your prescriber.
• Report mood changes, unusual behavior, or thoughts of self-harm right away.
• Keep all lab appointments, because blood tests may be needed to monitor liver function and blood counts.

• Other seizure medicines, which may change sodium valproate levels or increase side effects
• Alcohol, which can worsen sedation and dizziness
• Aspirin or blood thinners, which can raise bleeding risk in some people
• Certain antidepressants or antipsychotics, which may increase sedation or interact with seizure control
• Other medicines that affect the liver, which may increase the risk of liver-related problems

Store Valparex 500 mg Tablet CR in its original strip or box at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and light.