VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET belongs to a group of medicines called anti-epileptics. It is used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It works by preventing extreme mood swings and abnormal brain signals that trigger seizures (fits). It also helps in the prevention of migraines.

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you. This may increase gradually until your condition is stable. This medicine may take several weeks to work but it is important to take it regularly to get the benefit. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel fine, unless your doctor advises you to. You may have more seizures, or your bipolar disorder may get worse.

Some of the common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, constipation, diarrhea, double vision, and weight gain among many others. Most side effects wear off, but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. Long-term treatment can cause weakness in your bones (osteoporosis), increasing your risk of breaking a bone.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, meningitis or depression, or suicidal thoughts. Also let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are using as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine, including contraceptive pills. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the dose may be adjusted. You should avoid driving or riding a bicycle if this medicine makes you drowsy or dizzy. You may need frequent blood tests to check how you are responding to this medicine.

Uses of Valcontin Tablet

Benefits of Valcontin Tablet

In Epilepsy/Seizures

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

In Prevention of Migraine

It is not fully established how VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET helps prevent migraines. It may change the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain or increase the activity in a region of the brain associated with migraines. By preventing and reducing the frequency of headaches, it can help you carry out your daily activities and have a better quality of life.

In Bipolar disorder

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET works to restore the normal balance of nerve activity in your brain. It can help prevent extreme changes in mood and help you feel less agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of low mood. It can take several weeks for this medicine to work and you may still feel low during this time. It is likely that you will take this medicine for at least six months but possibly much longer. It needs to be taken regularly to work effectively. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor advises you to. You should continue to eat well and keep fit to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder.

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Side effects of Valcontin Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Valcontin

Headache
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Nausea1a
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Hair loss
Weight gain
Tremor
Double vision
Impaired coordination
Weakness
Increased appetite
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Abdominal pain
Abnormal thoughts
Diarrhea
Depression
Constipation
Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
Weight loss
Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways)
Breathlessness
Low blood platelets
Hay fever
Nervousness
Ecchymosis (discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath)
Flu-like symptoms
Fever
Memory loss
Indigestion
Infection
Peripheral edema

How to use Valcontin Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET is to be taken with food.

How Valcontin Tablet works

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Safety advice

Alcohol

UNSAFE

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Monitor the baby for unusual bruising or bleeding, jaundice and other signs of liver damage.

Driving

UNSAFE

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

CAUTION

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET is not recommended in patients with the severe liver disease.

What if you forget to take Valcontin Tablet?

If you miss a dose of VALCONTIN 500 MG 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.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET

₹4.65/Tablet

Encorate 500 Tablet

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹3.89/tablet

16% cheaper

Valparex 500mg Tablet

Theo Pharma Pvt Ltd

₹3.52/tablet

24% cheaper

Navalin 500mg Tablet

Molekule India Pvt Ltd

₹3.59/tablet

23% cheaper

Valtril 500mg Tablet

Wockhardt Ltd

₹2.5/tablet

46% cheaper

Valtec 500mg Tablet

Cipla Ltd

₹3.5/tablet

25% cheaper

View all substitutes

Quick tips

Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
It may cause cosmetic side effects such as increased hair growth on face, acne and thinning of hair. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Valproic Acid Derivative

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

NEURO CNS

Action Class

Sodium channel modulators (AED)

Patient concerns

Suffering from bipolar disorder

Dr. Jyoti Kapoor Madan

Psychiatry

Bipolar Affective Disorder is a chronic problem caused by Neuro chemical disturbance in brain. It is characterised by excessive mood swings leading to disruption in routine life. Treatment is with mood stabilizer medicines and antipsychotic medicines which may need to continue throughout life. Please see a psychiatrist for further guidance.

Treatment about bipolar disorder

Dr. Ravi Shankar M.

Ayurveda

Tab. Manasa Mitra Vataki 1-0-1 and Kalyanaka Ghritam 10 gram twice a day with luke warm wtar after food and Sarswatharishta 15 ml twice a day with equal quantity of water for 2 months

Bipolar disorder treatment needed

Dr. Jyoti Kapoor Madan

Psychiatry

FAQs

For how long should I take VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET to cure my epilepsy completely?

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET does not cure your condition, it only prevents the seizures from occurring. Therefore, you will have to keep on taking it, maybe for years. Consult your doctor if you face any problems while taking this medicine.

What happens if I stop taking VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET?

You should not stop taking VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET suddenly. It should be discontinued gradually. Stopping it suddenly may increase the chances of recurrence of seizures. Always consult your doctor if you feel the need to stop taking this medicine.

I have gained weight after I started using VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET. Is it because of this medicine? What should I do?

Yes, weight gain can occur with the use of VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET. To control your weight, you should have a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have any other concerns.

Does VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET affect the working of birth control pills?

Yes, VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET does not have any effect on the working of birth control pills. However, contraceptives (birth control pills) may interfere with the working of VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET and seizures may occur. It is important that you inform your doctor that you are using birth control pills. Your doctor will keep a track on your response to the treatment and monitor the VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET levels in your blood levels.

Is it safe to take VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET for long term?

Many patients can safely take VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET for a long time. Rarely, long-term use of VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET may weaken your bones, thereby increasing their chances of breaking easily (osteoporosis and osteopenia). If you are taking VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET for a long time, get regular check ups done for bone health.

I am concerned because I have heard that VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET causes hair loss. Is it true?

VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET may cause thinning of hair, change of hair colour and even hair loss. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor if it is possible to reduce the dose of VALCONTIN 500 MG TABLET. Your hair may regrow after either reducing your dose or switching to a different medicine.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

Drugs.com. Valproic acid Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Sodium valporate. Barceloneta, Puerto Rico: Abbott Pharmaceuticals PR Ltd.; 2011 [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

Country of origin: India

The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.