Brand name: Logical
Valproic
Pronounced: DEP-uh-keen
Generic name: Valproic acid
Why is Logical Valproic prescribed?
Logical Valproic, an epilepsy medicine, is used to treat certain types of
seizures and convulsions. It may be prescribed alone or with other
anticonvulsant medications.
Most important fact about Logical Valproic
Logical Valproic can cause serious, even fatal, liver damage, especially during
the first 6 months of treatment. Children under 2 years of age are
the most vulnerable, especially if they are also taking other anticonvulsant
medicines and have certain other disorders such as mental retardation.
The risk of liver damage decreases with age; but you should always
be alert for the following symptoms: loss of seizure control, weakness,
dizziness, drowsiness, a general feeling of ill health, facial swelling,
loss of appetite, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. If
you suspect a liver problem, call your doctor immediately.
Note too that Logical Valproic has been known to cause rare cases of life-threatening
damage to the pancreas. This problem can develop at any time, even
after years of treatment. Call your doctor immediately if any of the
following warning signs appear: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea,
and vomiting.
How should you take Logical Valproic without a prescriptions ? - free
Rx
If Logical Valproic irritates your digestive system, take it with food. To
avoid irritating your mouth and throat, swallow Logical Valproic capsules whole;
do not chew them.
If you miss a dose...
If you take 1 dose a day, take the dose you missed as soon as you
remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose
you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
If you take more than 1 dose a day and you remember the missed dose
within 6 hours of the scheduled time, take it immediately. Take the
rest of the doses for that day at equally spaced intervals. Never take
2 doses at once.
Storage instructions Logical
Valproic
Store at room temperature.
Logical Valproic side effects
Side effects are more likely if you are taking more than one epilepsy
medication, and when you are taking higher doses of Logical Valproic. Indigestion,
nausea, and vomiting are the most common side effects when you first
start taking Logical Valproic.
If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor
as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for
you to continue taking Logical Valproic.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramps, amnesia, breathing difficulty, depression, diarrhea, dimmed
or blurred vision, drowsiness, hair loss, indigestion, infection, involuntary
eye movements, loss or increase in appetite, nausea, nervousness, ringing
in the ears, sleeplessness, swelling of the arms and legs due to fluid retention,
throat inflammation, tremors, vomiting
Why should Logical Valproic not be prescribed?
You should not take Logical Valproic if you have liver disease or your liver
is not functioning properly, or if you have had an allergic reaction
to it.
Special warnings about Logical Valproic
Remember that liver failure is possible when taking Logical Valproic (see "Most
important fact about Logical Valproic"). Your doctor should test your
liver function at regular intervals.
Also keep in mind the threat of damage to the pancreas (see "Most
important fact about Logical Valproic"). This problem can develop rapidly,
so contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms.
In people with a rare set of genetic abnormalities called urea cycle
disorders, Logical Valproic may adversely effect the brain. Signs of
a developing problem include lack of energy, repeated attacks of vomiting,
and mental
changes. If you suspect a problem, see your doctor immediately. Logical
Valproic may have to be discontinued.Logical Valproic has also been
known to cause a very rare but potentially
fatal skin condition. Contact your doctor if you notice any changes
in your skin.Some side effects are more likely if you have manic episodes
or suffer from migraines. Your doctor will monitor your care closely
if you have
one of these conditions.Because of the potential for side effects involving
blood disorders, your doctor will probably test your blood before prescribing
Logical Valproic
and at regular intervals while you are taking it. Bruising, hemorrhaging,
or clotting disorders usually mean the dosage should be reduced or
the drug should be stopped altogether.
Logical Valproic may cause drowsiness, especially in older adults. You should
not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or engage in hazardous activity
until you know how you react to the drug.
Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine without first consulting
your doctor. A gradual reduction in dosage is usually required to prevent
major seizures.
This drug can also increase the effect of painkillers and anesthetics.
Before any surgery or dental procedure, make sure the doctor knows
you are taking Logical Valproic.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Logical Valproic
If Logical Valproic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Logical Valproic with the following:
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Aspirin
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin and Dicumarol
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium)
Ethosuximide
Felbamate (Felbatol)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Merrem IV (meropenem for injection)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Primidone (Mysoline)
Rifampin (Rifater)
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
Zidovudine (Retrovir)
Extreme drowsiness and other serious effects may occur if Logical Valproic
is taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants such
as Halcion, Restoril, or Xanax.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If taken during pregnancy, Logical Valproic may harm the baby. The drug is
not recommended for pregnant women unless the benefits of therapy clearly
outweigh the risks. In fact, women in their childbearing years should
take Logical Valproic only if it has been shown to be essential in the control
of seizures. Since Logical Valproic appears in breast milk, nursing mothers
should use it only with caution.
Recommended dosage for Logical Valproic
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 10 OR OLDER
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose
of Logical Valproic can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical
help immediately.
