Valparin
Estimated worldwide prevalence of epilepsy is between 0.5% and 1%.
The discovery of newer pharmacueticals has enormously increased the field of options available for management of seizure patients.
Valparin, also known as valproic acid, is a mood-stabilizing drug that also functions as an anticonvulsant used primarily in the treatments of epilepsy and bipolar-disorder.
Valparin Benefits
In 1882, Burton originally synthesized Valporic acid as an analogue of valeric acid, which occurs naturally in Valerian. Researcher Pierre Eymard, in 1962, discovered the acids antiseizure attributes and discovered that it also halted pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions in rodents.
This drug is prescribed for use in treating seizures, migraine headaches, and schizophrenia. In epileptics, Valparin controls , complex partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal), absence seizures, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and other seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
It is believed that Valparin affects the function of the neurotransmitter GABA in the human brain and in these situations it proves to be an alternative to lithium salts in treatment of bipolar disorder.
Valparin has been discovered to be effective in reducing the HIV infection as well – it inhibits the enzyme histone deacetilase 1 (HDAC1), which is needed for HIV to remain in infected cells.
Valparin shows to have implications in the treatment of various cancers (bone marrow cancer and any aggressive types of brain tumors), and melanoma.
Because of its teratogenicity, Valparin is contraindicated in pregnancy. The drug is also contraindicated in:
previous liver damage
depression of bone marrow
coagulation disorders
disorders of the urea cycle
And overweight patients because it causes weight gain.
Some drug interactions may possibly emerge if you also take other seizure medications such as barbiturates or benzodiazepines while taking Valparin. The drug may also interact with carmabazepine, amitriptyline and nortriptyline. It is imperative to abstain from using Valparin if you have specific metabolic disorders, pancreatitis, or a history of liver conditions.
Like any other drugs Valparin can have side effects. See the list below:
dyspepsia and/or weight gain
fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, peripheral edema
changes in mood behavior
changes in menstrual period
abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bruising
mental changes, unusual weakness
You should never give Valparin to others for whom the drug was not prescribed and should not use the drug for other medical conditions if it is not recommended by a medical professional. In case of overdose symptoms, loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat, or deep sleep, contact the emergency room immediately.
The side effects are seen in a miniscule number of persons using the drug. The benefits of using this medication almost always out-weigh the side-effects. A professional health care provider is the best person to decide the use and dosage of any drug.
The benefits of using Valparin far outweigh the side-effects.