Epilim Chrono (sodium valproate)

[Bart]

Hi guys,

I'm currently taking 800mg sodium valproate (Epilim EC200) tablets, twice a day. They're not really working, so the hospital gave me a form to take to my GP increasing the dose to 2g a day. The new script they've given me is for Epilim Chrono "controlled release tablets".

Does anyone have any experience of switching from immediate release to controlled release? Are there likely to be any problems in the first few days as my system gets used to the new formulation, or am I working myself up over nothing?

Any advice, gratefully received.

David

 

[Fedup]

Bart

Yes there really is a difference even though you might not think it but there should not be any problems to cause trouble.

 

[Chaz1]

welcome David,

never break (cut in half or tamper with) time release tablets, they are coated specially to slowly release....

2000mg, high dosage...I hope they are or are planning to monitor your liver regularly, if they tell you it’s not needed do not believe a word of it, IT IS….this med very harsh on liver….sorry to be so blunt, but you should know this..

if you see your seizures are not controlled by this high(er) dose of valpro, it’s definitely time to talk to your neurologist.

My Son on valpro, we actually seen more seizures as they increased his med, cut back from 1500mg to 1000mg (33%) and we are seeing less seizures…we hope to cut back further soon.

 

[k35k35k35]

Hmm.., strange. Never heard of less seizures with less med's. But everyone is different. But I do take xr's and I think they are great. Lot easier on you in terms of how wore down you get because the med hits you a little at a time instead of all at once and give's you a more steady amount of med. in you at all time's of the day. But I have never taken that peticular medication. I take Keppra and Lamictal extended release.

 

[Bart]

Thanks for the comments guys, I appreciate the feed back.

@Chaz1 - I have never seen a neurologist; please see my public profile for an explanation (I have tried to write everything I think is relevant).

The hospital consultant I mentioned just deals with strokes and she admitted my situation was beyond her area of expertise.


Well, I took the first dose of the new tablets last night and then again this morning. My initial impression is that there is a considerable difference between the two formulations.

Normally I feel very groggy when I wake up, and then after taking the morning dose I'm out-of-it for the next couple of hours, I can't concentrate on anything and I've got absolutely no energy.

Today I woke up and felt better than I have in a long time. I tackled several jobs that I've been putting off for months, and then this afternoon I went swimming and took the dog for a walk. My muscles feel much stronger than usual; I haven't stumbled/fallen into anything all day. And best of all, I don't feel starving hungry all the time.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Bart --

It's great that the new meds are less draining. It could be that the controlled-release medication is helping you sleep better -- either because it is reducing possible nighttime seizure activity, or because the evened-out dosing means you are less likely to have drug-related "peaks and valleys" that can throw your system off. I hope you continue to feel better.

 

[Chaz1]

great to hear David keep us posted....

that was a heavy run u had...

 

[Bart]

Well, I now know the main difference between Epilim E/C and Chrono.

Saw my GP today who said the pharmacy made a mistake giving me the Chrono. I said the Chrono are much better and don't have any of the side effects of the E/C version.

Doesn't matter, he said - the Chrono cost £25/$40 a month and the "sugar coated ones" cost £5/$8, so that's what you're getting.

I was thinking maybe splitting the dose into 500mg four times a day, instead of two tablets twice a day, might make it more tolerable. I am not proposing cutting the tablets, just spacing them out a bit more evenly.

Has anyone tried doing this before or can think of a reason not to do it, please let me know.