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.