Epilim (Sodium Valproate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Epilim Used For?
Epilim contains sodium valproate and belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. It works by controlling brain chemicals that send signals to nerves to prevent seizures from happening.
Primary Uses
Epilim treats epilepsy (repeated seizures or fits) in both adults and children. It can also control mania – a mental condition with episodes of overactivity, elation, or irritability in adults. Epilim should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years for treating mania.
How It Works
Epilim controls brain chemicals that send signals to nerves, preventing seizures from occurring. It may be used alone or combined with other medicines to treat your condition.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Epilim is addictive.
How to Take Epilim
Your doctor will determine how much Epilim you need based on your age, condition, and other medicines you’re taking. They may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to find the right amount for you.
Dosage Instructions
White tablets: Take twice daily, swallow whole with water or take with food. May be crushed if needed. Lilac tablets (EC200/EC500): Swallow whole – do not crush or chew as they have a special coating. Syrup/Liquid: Take 2-3 times daily, shake bottle well and use a medicine measure for accurate dosing. Take at the same time each day for best results.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take your next dose as usual at the scheduled time. Contact your doctor if you miss several doses. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose – this may increase your chance of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- drowsiness
- light-headedness
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- increased appetite
- weight gain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- sudden illness with repeated vomiting, extreme tiredness, abdominal pain, drowsiness, weakness, loss of appetite
- upper stomach pain, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), leg swelling
- worsening epilepsy or general feeling unwell
- balance and coordination problems, feeling lethargic or less alert
- seizures becoming worse or more frequent
- thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- signs of pregnancy
Important Warnings
Epilim has serious warnings, especially regarding pregnancy and certain medical conditions. It’s crucial to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Epilim
Do not use if you’re allergic to sodium valproate or any ingredients. Do not use if pregnant (unless no other treatment works for epilepsy), if you have liver disease, severe hepatitis, family history of severe hepatitis from medicines, urea cycle disorders, hepatic porphyria, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, genetic mitochondrial disorders, or untreated carnitine deficiency.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, kidney issues, urea cycle disorders, carnitine deficiency, poor dietary intake of carnitine (especially children under 10), systemic lupus erythematosus, family history of mitochondrial disorders, or if you’re gaining weight.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
CRITICAL WARNING: Epilim can seriously harm unborn children. Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception throughout treatment. Around 11 in 100 babies born to mothers taking Epilim will have birth defects (compared to 2-3 in 100 in general population). Up to 30-40% may have developmental problems. Birth defects include spina bifida, facial/skull malformations, heart/kidney defects, and limb problems. Children may also have autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, hearing problems, or developmental delays. Men taking Epilim in the 3 months before conception may also pose risks to their children. Epilim passes into breast milk – discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
Pregnancy Risk: If you become pregnant while taking Epilim, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking Epilim without medical supervision as this can be dangerous.
Drug Interactions
Many medicines can interfere with Epilim and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
Important: Carbapenem antibiotics should be avoided with Epilim as they may decrease its effectiveness. Children under 3 should not take Epilim with aspirin.
- aspirin and other salicylates
- blood thinners like warfarin
- other epilepsy medicines (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, etc.)
- antidepressants (MAOIs, SSRIs, tricyclics)
- benzodiazepines
- birth control pills containing estrogen
- antiviral medications like zidovudine
- cannabidiol
- antipsychotic medicines (clozapine, quetiapine, olanzapine)
- malaria medicine mefloquine
- anesthetic propofol
- antibiotics (erythromycin, rifampicin, carbapenems)
- HIV medicines (lopinavir, ritonavir)
- pain/fever medicine metamizole
- cancer medicine methotrexate
Alcohol & Driving
Epilim can affect your ability to drive and operate machinery, and alcohol can worsen these effects.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol while taking Epilim. Combining Epilim and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Epilim may cause drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness, or sleepiness. Make sure you know how you react to it before driving, operating machinery, or doing activities requiring alertness. Children should not ride bikes, climb trees, or do potentially dangerous activities if feeling drowsy or sleepy.
Storage
Store tablets in a cool, dry place below 30°C and keep them in their blister pack. Store syrup or liquid in a cool, dry place below 25°C.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Epilim, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include reduced consciousness possibly leading to coma, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, and shrinking pupils.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no evidence that Epilim is addictive.
Yes, Epilim tablets can be taken with food. This may help reduce stomach upset.
Do not stop taking Epilim suddenly or lower the dose without checking with your doctor, as your condition may become worse. Your seizures or manic symptoms may return.
No, you should avoid alcohol while taking Epilim. Combining Epilim and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded.
Yes, weight gain is possible with Epilim as your appetite may increase. Discuss this with your doctor if it becomes a concern.
If you miss a dose, take your next dose as usual at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Contact your doctor if you miss several doses.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to find the right amount for you. Epilim helps control your condition but does not cure it, so you must take it every day as prescribed.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.