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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Take Encorate 500 Over Valparin Chrono 500?

My friend was taking valparin chrono 500. Because it was in short supply, the pharmacist suggested Encorate 500. I would like to know what are the side effects? Can it be merely substituted with the same dosage as valparin or should we reduce dosage? How does it effect memory? Any other side effects that we should be concerned about? Any recommended tests to be done after a few months to ensure no latent side effects? Thank you.
Tue, 22 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
Yes, it is safe to take Encorate instead of Valparin chrono.
Both are effective in the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and bipolar disorder.

Encorate 500 contains Sodium Valproate alone and it is long acting preparation that can be given once daily. Unlike Valparin 500, it causes fewer short term side effects such as nausea and vomiting. However, it is more expensive than Valparin chrono.

Main side effects are nausea, constipation, ankle edema, weight gain resulting in obesity, & hair loss with curly regrowth.

Usually it does not affect the memory.

Other less common but serious side effects include liver dysfunction, & pancreatitis for which periodic lab tests such as CBC and liver function tests should be done to monitor and detect liver injury after a few months.

It can cause harmful effects like spina bifida in newborn babies if given during pregnancy, hence it is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Hope these answer your queries.

A feedback is appreciated.
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Is It Safe To Take Encorate 500 Over Valparin Chrono 500?

Hi & Welcome. Yes, it is safe to take Encorate instead of Valparin chrono. Both are effective in the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and bipolar disorder. Encorate 500 contains Sodium Valproate alone and it is long acting preparation that can be given once daily. Unlike Valparin 500, it causes fewer short term side effects such as nausea and vomiting. However, it is more expensive than Valparin chrono. Main side effects are nausea, constipation, ankle edema, weight gain resulting in obesity, & hair loss with curly regrowth. Usually it does not affect the memory. Other less common but serious side effects include liver dysfunction, & pancreatitis for which periodic lab tests such as CBC and liver function tests should be done to monitor and detect liver injury after a few months. It can cause harmful effects like spina bifida in newborn babies if given during pregnancy, hence it is contraindicated during pregnancy. Hope these answer your queries. A feedback is appreciated.