Valcalm 250mg Tablet is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent and control seizures (fits). It is also used in the prevention of migraines. Occasionally, it may also be used to treat bipolar disorder.
Valcalm 250mg Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit.
It usually takes a couple of weeks to work. It is important to take this medicine regularly and for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing doses may trigger seizures and, if you stop, your condition may get worse. It should never be stopped suddenly.
This medicine's most common side effects include headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, unsteadiness, bruising, and decreased body temperature. Most of these are not serious. Retain taking the medicine but talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. However, if you notice a skin rash or redness, tell your doctor straight away. Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) and increase your risk of breaking a bone. Also, Valcalm 250mg Tablet may rarely lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If your mood becomes depressed, tell your doctor.
This medicine may not be suitable for everybody. Earlier using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. Drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can increase some of the side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures. You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor make sure you are taking the right dose both before you start and while you are using it.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Valcalm 250mg Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Valcalm 250mg Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Valcalm 250mg Tablet is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Valcalm 250mg Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Valcalm 250mg Tablet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Valcalm 250mg Tablet is recommended.
Liver
UNSAFE
Valcalm 250mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
FAQs:
Q. What happens if I stop taking Valcalm 250mg Tablet?
You should not stop taking Valcalm 250mg Tablet without consulting your doctor. The dose of Valcalm 250mg Tablet should be reduced gradually and eventually can be stopped under the supervision of a doctor or specialist. Suddenly stopping the medication may lead to recurrence of symptoms or irritability, anxiety, dizziness and tremors.
Q. Is Valcalm 250mg Tablet a mood stabilizer?
Affirmative, Valcalm 250mg Tablet can sometimes be used as a mood stabilizer. It is given in patients who experience rapid changes in their mood. It works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mood changes.
Q. Can Valcalm 250mg Tablet cause weight gain?
Affirmative, Valcalm 250mg Tablet may cause weight gain. The gain in weight could be due to an increase in hunger. Retain a check on your diet and exercise regularly to prevent any weight gain. If you are have concerns related to weight gain, consult your doctor.
Q. Does Valcalm 250mg Tablet make you sleepy?
Affirmative, Valcalm 250mg Tablet may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Q. Does Valcalm 250mg Tablet cause hair loss?
Affirmative, Valcalm 250mg Tablet may cause hair loss. However, it is only for a short time and is usually dose related. Please consult your doctor if the hair loss bothers you or persists for a longer duration.
Q. Can Valcalm 250mg Tablet damage my liver?
Affirmative, Valcalm 250mg Tablet can cause damage to the liver. The risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of starting the treatment with Valcalm 250mg Tablet. Symptoms of liver damage may include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark coloured urine, facial swelling, yellowing of the skin or white of eyes. Therefore, it is important to have liver function tests done before starting the medicine and. Tests should be done periodically during the first 6 months of therapy, especially in those who are likely to be at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.
Q. Can I take alcohol while I am taking Valcalm 250mg Tablet?
Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on treatment with Valcalm 250mg Tablet. Taking alcohol with this medicine may make you feel more drowsy, light headed or dizzy.
Q. What are the laboratory tests recommended prior to taking Valcalm 250mg Tablet?
The doctor may suggest blood tests before starting the treatment with Valcalm 250mg Tablet. The tests may include blood cell count, including platelet count, bleeding time and coagulation tests These tests are also advised to avoid any spontaneous bruising or bleeding. In addition to this, liver function tests are advised before therapy. It is recommended to periodically monitor liver function during the first 6 months of therapy, primarily in those who seem most at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.
Q. What should be done if I start experiencing abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia?
If you experience acute severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting, it may be due to pancreatitis. Immediately consult your doctor in case you experience these symptoms. Your doctor may get your levels of serum amylase checked. In case the test shows positive results for pancreatitis, the medication should be stopped immediately.
Q. How to check for overdose of Valcalm 250mg Tablet?
Overdose of Valcalm 250mg Tablet may cause headaches, blurred eyesight due to pupils of the eyes becoming smaller, lack of reflexes, confusion and tiredness. You may also experience weak or “floppy” muscles, fits (seizures), loss of consciousness, behavioral changes and breathing difficulties such as fast breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Immediate medical assistance is required in case of overdose.
Disclaimer:
Getomeds primary intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is reviewed by experts, accurate, and trustworthy. The information and contents of this website are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of your doctor and discuss all of your concerns about any disease or medication. Do not disregard or postpone seeking professional medical advice because of something you read on Getomeds. Our mission is to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.