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Can Valprol Tablets Be Discontinued In Absence Of Seizure?

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Posted on Thu, 30 Jun 2016
Question: I'm on valprol tablet since last 8 years. There is no siezer since I started taking medicine. I'm 28 years now and planning to get married. Can I stop the use or I hv to continue. If yes for how long?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Duration of therapy depends upon type of epilepsy and it's control

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
The duration of therapy depends upon seizure control and type of seizure.
In most cases with well controlled seizure the drug is gradually tapered if the seizure has not occurred for 2-3 years.
In some cases, like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy the drug is to be continued life long.
In case of uncontrolled seizures, the drug is to be continued.
You should visit a neurologist for gradual tapering of drug.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (40 hours later)
Hi, In my case the drug has been tampered from the time i started. Now im on Valprol CR-200 twice a day. But as i said there are no seizures for last 8 years, even then i have to continue the drug? secondly how to know it is juvenile epilepsy wherein drug is to continue for life? What are the minor/major side effects of the drug? What if i miss the drug in between? What are the key precautions i have to take? My job involves lot of travelling by air. I am in Kenya (Nairobi) right now and finished with my existing drug stock i carried. Pls tell me the equivalent drug name i can buy in Nairobi.. Thanks..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised and upload EEG

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
For JME get an EEG done, which can be helpful.
IN JME, other seizure types also occur like absence and myoclonic jerks.
At present, drug dosage is lower level and can be tapered and stopped safely under the guidance (Except in case of JME).
The common side effects are weight gain, skin rash, abdominal discomfort.
Missing dose may lead to seizure and should be strictly avoided.
Other precautions are proper sleep, avoiding alcohol, timely drug intake.
Other similar drugs are valparin, encorate chrono, valrid. The salt is valproic acid and any drug containing this can be taken but is always advisable not to change the brand.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
DR N Kumar
neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 days later)
Is this type of JME epilepsy a heredetry? Further pls advice if any issue in case a alternate drug is taken? Also let me know what brand wud be available in Kenya city Nairobi? Is this desease can cause any problem in married life? In ur experience do u think generally people disclose abt the problem to prospective marriage partners/family?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
JME is genetically mediated channelopathy.
In place of valproate, you can take levetiracetam.
Many brands are available throughout the world, but dispensing rule varies with countries.
As such epilepsy doesn't cause any problem in married life and can be managed like any other chronic illness like diabetes, hypertension.
Social and cultural stigma lead to concealing such information but better to disclose as it will help in management if some episode occurs after marriage.
Wishing you good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2259 Questions

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Can Valprol Tablets Be Discontinued In Absence Of Seizure?

Brief Answer: Duration of therapy depends upon type of epilepsy and it's control Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. The duration of therapy depends upon seizure control and type of seizure. In most cases with well controlled seizure the drug is gradually tapered if the seizure has not occurred for 2-3 years. In some cases, like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy the drug is to be continued life long. In case of uncontrolled seizures, the drug is to be continued. You should visit a neurologist for gradual tapering of drug. Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to me for further queries. Regards Dr N Kumar Neurologist