Epilim CR 300 (sodium valproate/valproic acid) can cause a range of side effects, some common and others rare but serious. Below is a summary of known side effects:
- Common side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion (usually at the start of therapy and often transient)
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness and sometimes difficulty concentrating
- Tremor/shaking or feeling unsteady when walking
- Headache, agitation, sleep difficulties
- Weight changes: weight gain or loss, increased appetite
- Thinning of the hair (often reversible after stopping, with regrowth that may be curlier)
- Skin problems: rashes, blisters, lesions, flaking skin
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Gum problems: gingival hyperplasia (tender/inflamed or painful gums, plaque buildup)
- Muscle and joint pain: leg cramps, myalgia, arthralgia
- Unusual movements or eye movements
- Difficulty urinating or urinating too frequently
- Fatigue and shortness of breath
- Serious but rare side effects:
- Liver and pancreas disorders: Vomiting, loss of appetite, general unwell feeling, tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, abdominal pain, blood in urine
- Increased seizure frequency or more severe seizures
- Confusion, memory loss, unusual or bizarre behavior, suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Sudden or unexplained bruising, bleeding, or sore throat (may indicate blood disorders)
- Allergic reactions, including serious rash or skin peeling (sometimes with fever or flu-like symptoms)
- Fainting, sluggishness, level of consciousness changes, or coma
- Bone issues: osteoporosis, osteopenia and risk of fractures with long-term use
- Other possible effects:
- Blurry vision, small pupils
- Breathing difficulties: fast breathing, chest pain, shortness of breath
- Hair regrowth following thinning may be curlier
Patients are advised to report any serious adverse effects—such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unexplained bruising, or drastic changes in behavior—to a healthcare professional immediately. Regular monitoring, including blood tests, may be recommended to detect any potential problems early[1][3][5][7].
Not everyone will experience side effects, and some may only be experienced early in the treatment. It is important to keep regular follow-up appointments and not stop the medication without medical advice[7].