VALPROATE SODIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Valproate sodium is a medication that falls under the category of anticonvulsant drugs. It is most commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Valproate sodium is a sodium salt derivative of valproic acid, which is the active ingredient responsible for the therapeutic effects.
This medication works by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect on the nervous system. By enhancing GABA activity, valproate sodium helps to prevent seizures and stabilize mood in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Valproate sodium is available as an oral medication and is typically taken two or three times a day. The dosage prescribed depends on several factors such as the patient's age, weight, and the specific condition being treated.
Although valproate sodium is generally considered safe and effective, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, and hair loss. Rare but serious side effects may include liver problems, pancreatitis, and a potentially life-threatening condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Valproate sodium is a prescription-only medication and should always be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and report any significant side effects to the prescribing doctor. Additionally, valproate sodium may interact with other medications, so it is crucial to inform the healthcare provider about any other drugs being taken concurrently.
Common Misspellings for VALPROATE SODIUM
- calproate sodium
- balproate sodium
- galproate sodium
- falproate sodium
- vzlproate sodium
- vslproate sodium
- vwlproate sodium
- vqlproate sodium
- vakproate sodium
- vapproate sodium
- vaoproate sodium
- valoroate sodium
- vallroate sodium
- val-roate sodium
- val0roate sodium
- valpeoate sodium
- valpdoate sodium
- valpfoate sodium
- valptoate sodium
- valp5oate sodium
Etymology of VALPROATE SODIUM
The word "Valproate" is derived from the chemical compound name "valeric acid", which is a chemical compound containing five carbon atoms. Valeric acid is named after the valerian plant, from which it was first isolated. The term "sodium" refers to the sodium salt of valproate, which is created by combining valproic acid with sodium hydroxide. Valproate sodium is used as an antiepileptic drug to treat various types of seizures.
