Review about Sodium Valproate

In August 2017 at the age of twenty five, I was diagnosed with suffering from both Absent Seizure Epilepsy and Complex Partial Seizure Epilepsy. Initially my neurologist prescribed me Keppra 500mg BD (twice daily) which was swiftly increased up to 1000mg BD (twice daily) in an attempt to prevent further events of epileptic seizures (known as a prophylactic approach). [The prophylactic (or preventative) approach is the universally accepted treatment opted for by neurologists in an attempt to manage the condition. However, not only did the Keppra fail to work but it caused a significant worsening of the disease. My neurologist desperately continued changing my medications in an attempt to control my epilepsy. Medication after medication failed time after time after time. Therefore; to my mind I believed that I was never going to locate a drug that would manage my condition so I reluctantly accepted that constant and unrelenting seizures would just be a part of my life forever. However, my neurologist thought of trying Sodium Valproate (brand name: Epilim [Aus]). I was started on Sodium Valproate 200mg/5mls Oral Solution at a dosage of 400mg (10ml) BD (twice daily). There was no noticeable positive effect on reducing my seizures on days one to three (inclusive) from commencement of the Valproate. Therefore, I thought it to be just like the other drugs. Ineffective. However, day four was a completely different story. Being in a position where I can reflect back upon the event I can only describe it as 'going to bed still suffering horrible seizures, and waking up the next morning seizure free'. I kept waiting for the aura that appears before my seizures. It didn't present. In fact, according to my seizure diary - from that time until present day I have suffered a grand total of six auras and zero seizures. Sodium Valproate is nothing less than a 'wonder drug' to me. However, in an attempt to provide you with an accurate, informative and helpful review of Sodium Valproate it must be stated that for all of its benefits there are some major downsides.

1. I would be very surprised if you were not to suffer from serious drowsiness during the initiating stages of treatment (at the very least during the first three to seven days).

Some people are unable to stay awake even after 12 to 14 hours of sleep. However, it is not expected to continue past the initial stages of treatment. It is also likely to occur during dosage increases, but again it should subside. Very rarely, a person can suffer with drowsiness long-term, until the medication is ceased.

2. 10% of people who take Sodium Valproate will gain weight. Generally no more than three to five kg.
3. The list of known side-effects are substantially long compared to other drugs and the risk of suffering from them is higher than that of other medications.
4. The possibility of mood changes and depression is high. However this can be mitigated in most cases.

At the end of the day, all drugs carry risks with them. I can only provide you with anecdotal evidence, but by goodness the risk was worth taking for me in this case. I have my life back. At the end of the day it can't hurt speaking to your Doctor or neurologist about this drug and it's possible use for your epilepsy.