Valparin -is it the new wonder drug?
by Carole Moore
Valparin is an anticonvulsant that is prescribed to treat the seizures in epilepsy and febrile convulsions in children. It contains valproic acid, an naturally occurring substance in the herb, valerian.
How Valparin works and what does it treat?
Valproic acid was first synthesized from valerian in 1882, but it wasn't until 1962 that it was found to help control seizures and convulsions.
Valparin, deriv
ed from valproic acid, is thought to works by having an effect on the function of the neurotransmitter GABA in the human brain. It has had success by proving itself to be a viable alternative to lithium salts in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is also effective in the treatment of schizophrenia. In people suffering from epilepsy, Valparin can help control absence seizures, complex partial seizures, grand mal seizures and other seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Recently Valparin has shown to successfully inhibit a specific enzyme which the HIV virus needs to flourish, so this drug also has a developing role to play in the fight against HIV infection, and it also seems to have implications in the treatment of cancers such as bone marrow cancer, skin cancers and any type of aggressive brain tumor.
Side effects of Valparin
Valparin interferes with the normal development of embryos, so you should definitely not take it if you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant. One of the side effects is that it does cause weight gain, so you should not take Valparin if you are already overweight.
There may be reactions with other drugs such as barbiturates or benzodiazepines if you take them with Valparin. Because it causes weight gain, it is really important not take the medication if you suffer from certain types of metabolic disorders, or if you have liver problems or if you have pancreatitis.
Just like any other drug, there are side effects associated with Valparin. Some of these included, but may not be limited to jaundice and impaired liver function, headaches and hair loss, upset stomach and weight gain, fatigue, dizziness and drowsiness, and changes in the menstrual cycle. You should discuss the potential side effects with your doctor.
What Valparin can do for you
If you suffer from epilepsy, bipolar, HIV or certain types of cancers, then this medication can certainly help you. It is important that you monitor any side effects, but these may prove to be insignificant compared to the benefit to the quality of life you may achieve with Valparin.
About the Author
Carole Moore is an avid researcher of health products including Valparin and runs a successful website dedicated to reviewing various health products and bringing the latest information about them to the consumer. For great health products tips, free information ,discount offers and more, see Carole's site at www.healthproductsreviews.com