Can epilepsy medication cause heart problems?
An important clinical repercussion in the treatment of epilepsy has been discovered. Medical researchers have determined that two of the most commonly prescribed anti-seizure medications may lead to significantly increased levels of cholesterol, C-reactive protein and other markers of cardiovascular disease risk.
What are the most common side effects of anti seizure medications?
Some common side effects that may occur in the first few weeks of taking seizure medicines include feeling tired, stomach upset or discomfort, dizziness, or blurred vision. Some of these may not occur or are tolerated okay if the medication is started at a low dose and increased slowly.
Does sodium valproate affect your heart?
Among the mood stabilizers, lithium and carbamazepine have been associated with sinus node arrhythmias while sodium valproate is relatively free of any untoward cardiac effect. The benzodiazepines are in general safe even in patients with myocardial infarction and coronary bypass.
Can you just stop taking sodium valproate?
Do not stop taking sodium valproate suddenly, unless your doctor tells you to. You’re unlikely to get any extra symptoms when you stop taking this medicine. However, if you’re taking sodium valproate for epilepsy, it’s possible that you’ll get seizures again once you stop taking it.
Does epilim affect memory?
Seizures can affect memory because for memory to work properly the brain needs to continuously monitor itself. Epileptic seizures can interfere with this self-monitoring process at any of the following stages: Before a seizure: memories from before a seizure can be lost as the brain does not store them properly.
What does epilim do to your brain?
Epilim belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. These medicines are thought to work by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures do not happen. Epilim may also be used to control mania, a mental condition with episodes of overactivity, elation or irritability.
Does epilim cause aggression?
The authors point out that as side effects of sodium valproate can include aggression, hyperactivity and behavioural disturbances, then if it is prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder with co-occurring behavioural disturbances, it is possible that the medication may make these behaviours worse.
What are the side effects of Epilim?
Side effects of Epilim
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Bleeding, tender or enlarged gums;
- Abdominal cramps or pain;
- Changes in appetite;
- Changes in your weight;
- Irregular menstrual periods;
- Diarrhoea;
- Headache;
What is Epilim 500mg used for?
Epilim Chrono contains sodium valproate. It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-convulsants or antiepileptic agents. It works by helping to calm the brain down. Epilim Chrono is used to treat epilepsy (fits) in adults and children.
Does epilim make you tired?
Epilim may cause drowsiness, dizziness or sleepiness in some people and affect alertness. Diabetics are advised that Epilim Syrup contains 3.6 g/5 mL of sucrose (sugar). The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking Epilim. Combining it and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy or lightheaded.
Is epilepsy medication bad?
Valproate, valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote) Over the long term, the drug can cause bone thinning, swelling of the ankles, irregular menstrual periods. More rare and dangerous effects include hearing loss, liver damage, decreased platelets (clotting cells), and pancreas problems.
How long does it take for epilim to take effect?
Sodium valproate may take several days to show an initial effect and in some cases may take from two to six weeks for maximum effect. Treatment is started with low doses and may be increased over a couple of weeks according to your child’s response.
Is it normal to sleep a lot after a seizure?
You may be tired or sleepy after the seizure. This is called the postictal period.
Is sleeping too much bad for epilepsy?
Epileptic Seizures While Sleeping Excessive or hyper synchronization may lead to seizures. Another hypothesis relates to physiological changes associated with circadian rhythms and melatonin production. Several common epilepsy syndromes involve seizures that occur during sleep.