Warnings & Recalls for Epilim
Epilim and Pregnancy
Valproate-containing medicines such as Epilim are listed as
FDA pregnancy Category D medicines. Epilim may cause
birth defects or
cardiovascular problems and increase the risk of
infant mortality. Women who are pregnant
should not use Epilim unless their doctor believes that use of this medicine is absolutely necessary. Epilim may pass through breast-milk and
should not be used by women who are breastfeeding without first consulting their doctor. If you may become pregnant, be sure to use an effective form of birth control and discuss options with your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
General Warnings
Epilim is not for everyone.
Do not use Epilim as a treatment if you have:
- serious liver disease
- a history of or if anyone in your family has had liver function disabilities
- porphyrias (a hereditary blood disorder)
- an allergy to sodium valproate
Ask your doctor if it is safe to use Epilim if you have:
- poor kidney function
- ever had liver disease or urea production problems
- systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus disease) or certain autoimmune disorders
- diabetes
Epilim should be used in extreme caution in
children. Only children who have been prescribed Epilim should use this medicine as a treatment.
Patients should be aware that Epilim, especially when used for extended periods of time, may
decrease liver function.
Epilim Interactions
Epilim may cause
drowsiness; avoid taking other drugs which may induce tiredness or sleepiness while using Epilim.
Avoid taking
narcotics,
sedatives, and medicines for
anxiety. Ask your doctor about safely using
blood thinners while taking Epilim. Combining these medicines may often lead to
abnormal or uncontrollable bleeding.
Epilim Treatment and Use
Epilim | sodium valproate is an anti-convulsant (seizure preventing) medicine marketed by Sanofi-Aventis for treating epilepsy and certain mental disorders. Epilim may be prescribed for treating the following conditions:
- anorexia nervosa (eating disorders)
- anxiety or panic attacks or post-traumatic stress (PTS) disorder
- uncontrollable migraines
- bipolar disorder or for preventing episodes of mania
Epilim may be used off-label for treating depression related to bipolar disorder.
How Does Epilim Work?
During a seizure or mental distrubances, the brain is over-stimulated by nerve cells that move faster and send signals more frequently than normal. Epilim is thought to work by increasing amounts of nerve-calming chemicals known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmitters in order to balance this activity and stabilize the brain.
Epilim Dosage Information
Epilim comes in tablet and liquid (oral suspension) form to be taken by mouth. Epilim is typically prescribed to be taken in 300 mg doses and twice daily with a full glass of water. Dosage may be increased depending on the patient’s response to the medicine. Use only the amount prescribed to you, as dosage varies among patients. Do not crush or break tablets.
Continue taking Epilim until your prescription cycle has ended and your doctor has instructed you to stop.
