From the Guidelines
The medications you mentioned, Tolanz 10 mg, Epilim 500 mg, and Rivotril 0.5 mg, can potentially cause gastric problems, and it is essential to monitor and manage these side effects to minimize their impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The medications in question have various side effects, with Epilim (sodium valproate) being known to commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhea 1.
Key Points to Consider:
- Tolanz (olanzapine) is an antipsychotic that may cause nausea, increased appetite, and constipation.
- Epilim (sodium valproate) is an anticonvulsant with gastrointestinal side effects.
- Rivotril (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine that can cause digestive issues like nausea and changes in appetite.
Management of Gastric Problems:
To reduce stomach irritation, taking these medications with food can be helpful. If significant gastric problems occur, it is crucial not to stop taking these medications suddenly but to consult a doctor who might:
- Adjust dosages
- Recommend taking them at different times
- Prescribe stomach-protecting medications
- Consider alternative treatments These gastric side effects occur because these medications affect various neurotransmitter systems in both the brain and gut, altering digestive processes and gut sensitivity 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Gastrointestinal: The most commonly reported side effects at the initiation of therapy are nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. These effects are usually transient and rarely require discontinuation of therapy. Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and constipation have been reported.
Table 3 Gastrointestinal System Constipation †015322 Appetite Decreased110311 Abdominal Pain †222011
Gastrointestinal problems can be caused by these medications.
- Nausea and vomiting are commonly reported side effects of valproate.
- Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and constipation have also been reported with valproate.
- Constipation, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain have been reported with clonazepam 2 3.
From the Research
Medications and Gastric Problems
- The medications mentioned are Tolanaz 10 mg, Epilim 500 mg, and Rivotril 0.5 mg.
- Epilim, also known as valproate sodium, has been studied for its effects on gastric problems, particularly in the context of cyclic vomiting syndrome 4.
- In one study, valproate sodium was used in combination with phenobarbital to treat cyclic vomiting syndrome, and no adverse effects were reported 4.
- Another study compared the pharmacokinetic properties of two formulations of valproate, including Epilim Chrono, and found that both formulations were well tolerated, with the most frequently reported adverse event being mild diarrhea 5.
- However, it is essential to note that valproate can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and vomiting, especially when used in high doses or in combination with other medications 6, 7.
- Rivotril, also known as clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine that can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and vomiting 6.
- Tolanaz is not a well-known medication, and its effects on gastric problems are not well documented in the provided studies.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can be caused by various medications, including antiepileptic drugs like valproate and benzodiazepines like clonazepam 6.
- The management of nausea and vomiting can be challenging, especially in cases of chronic unexplained nausea and vomiting, and may require a comprehensive approach, including pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, and complementary medicine 6.
- It is crucial to monitor patients taking these medications for gastrointestinal side effects and adjust the treatment plan as needed to minimize the risk of adverse effects 5, 8.