What Are The Side Effects Of Encorate Chrono?
I am an Brain AVM patient taking Carbazamapine CR 200 mg twice daily and Encorate Chrono 300 mg twice daily and flunarin 5 mg twice daily. I know Carbazamapine and Encorate Chrono will damage liver. I am having Hepatitis C also which will affect my Liver. Can I replace Encorate Chrono and Carbazamapine with anyother SAFE medicines that will not affect LIVER? Please suggest.Atpresent I am not having any Headaches or Seizures (very rare once or twice yearly) and having a normal life.(widow being in house, no work and just rest and play with my grand children)
You can stop Encorate chrono
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms, medical details and current medications.
I agree that Encorate chrono (sodium valproate) may be toxic to liver. So, in view of Hepatitis C infection, you should stop Encorate chrono.
Carbamazepine (Tegrital) is safe for liver and is also very effective in controlling seizures. So, you can continue it.
In place of Encorate chrono, if needed, you may take Levetiracetam (Keppra) tablets.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
(In my question I forgot to inform you that I am taking Encorate Chrono from 2005)
So Now I understand,
1. I STOP Encorate Chrono 300 Mg 1-0-1 immediately.
2. I Continue Tegrital CR 200 Mg 1-0-1
3. If I have any Seizures I will take Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Now my question is What is the Dosage I should take Levetiracetam (Keppra)?
thanks
You have mostly understood.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
You have understood correctly except for minor points.
1. Encorate chrono should not be stopped immediately. It should be reduced slowly and stopped over 2-3 months as sudden stoppage of seizure medication may lead to seizures.
2. The usual starting dose of levetiracetam is 500 mg two times daily and the dose can be increased to upto 3000 mg per day if there are seizures.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)