{"id":61045,"date":"2024-02-28T07:22:29","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T07:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medsname.com\/encorate\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T10:49:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T10:49:16","slug":"encorate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/encorate\/","title":{"rendered":"Encorate"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- medsbase-tldr-answer --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#fff8e1;border-left:4px solid #f5a623;padding:18px 22px;margin:0 0 24px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;\">&#9889; Quick Answer &mdash; What is Encorate?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0;\"><strong>Encorate<\/strong> is een <strong>200 mg sodium valproate \/ valproic acid immediate-release tablet<\/strong> from Sun Pharma &mdash; an antiepileptic \/ mood-stabiliser \/ migraine preventive. In migraine prevention it is used at <strong>250 mg twice daily, titrated up to 500-1,500 mg\/day in divided doses<\/strong> as a third- or fourth-line preventive after propranolol, topiramate, and amitriptyline. <strong>Absolute contraindication in pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential without pregnancy-prevention programme<\/strong> &mdash; valproate causes a 10% risk of major congenital malformations (neural tube defects, craniofacial, cardiac, limb, urogenital) and a 30-40% risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (reduced IQ 7-10 points, autism spectrum). The EMA and MHRA have issued progressively stricter prescribing restrictions since 2014. Other important side effects: hepatotoxicity (idiosyncratic; serious rarely fatal), pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, hyperammonaemia, weight gain, hair loss, tremor, and polycystic ovarian syndrome in women.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"medsbase-trust-strip\" style=\"background:#f4f8fb;border:1px solid #d8e3eb;padding:12px 16px;margin:16px 0;border-radius:4px;font-size:14px;\">\n<strong>Wat u krijgt bij MedsBase:<\/strong> WHO-GMP gecertificeerde fabrikant \u00b7 Discrete verpakking \u00b7 Wereldwijde verzending \u00b7 1.400+ geverifieerde <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/reviews\/\">klantbeoordelingen<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Encorate?<\/h2>\n<p>Encorate is an oral immediate-release tablet of <strong>sodium valproate \/ valproic acid 200 mg<\/strong> from Sun Pharma, supplied in 30-180 tablet packs. Valproate is a branched short-chain fatty acid originally used as a solvent in pharmaceutical chemistry, later serendipitously discovered to have antiepileptic activity. It has been a first-line anticonvulsant for generalised and partial epilepsy since the 1970s and became the third drug with US FDA approval for migraine prophylaxis in 1996 (after propranolol and timolol).<\/p>\n<p>The immediate-release formulation requires twice- or thrice-daily dosing. For patients who prefer once-daily dosing, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/encorate-chrono\/\">Encorate Chrono (extended-release)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Valproate Prevents Migraine<\/h2>\n<p>Valproate works through multiple mechanisms relevant to migraine:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>GABAergic potentiation<\/strong> &mdash; increases GABA synthesis and reduces its degradation, enhancing inhibitory tone in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and cortex<\/li>\n<li><strong>Suppression of cortical spreading depression<\/strong> &mdash; the pathological wave that underlies migraine aura<\/li>\n<li><strong>Voltage-gated sodium-channel blockade<\/strong> &mdash; reduces neuronal hyperexcitability<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inhibition of NMDA-glutamate transmission<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In migraine-prevention trials (Jensen 1994, Mathew 1995, Klapper 1997), valproate 500-1,500 mg\/day reduced monthly migraine frequency by ~50% in about half of treated patients.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Goedgekeurde Toepassingen<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Migraine prophylaxis in adults<\/strong> &mdash; FDA-approved 1996<\/li>\n<li><strong>Generalised epilepsy<\/strong> &mdash; absence, myoclonic, tonic-clonic seizures (first-line)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focal epilepsy<\/strong> (partial seizures) &mdash; alternative to carbamazepine<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bipolar disorder<\/strong> &mdash; acute mania and maintenance<\/li>\n<li><strong>Status epilepticus<\/strong> (IV formulation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Encorate Dosage for Migraine Prevention<\/h2>\n<p>Valproate is <strong>titrated upward<\/strong> over 2-4 weeks to minimise nausea:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Week 1:<\/strong> 250 mg twice daily with food<\/li>\n<li><strong>Week 2:<\/strong> 250 mg morning + 500 mg evening<\/li>\n<li><strong>Week 3+:<\/strong> 500 mg twice daily (target; adjust 500-1,500 mg\/day)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assess benefit at 8-12 weeks.<\/strong> Keep a migraine diary to quantify change.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Therapeutic plasma levels<\/strong> are 50-100 &mu;g\/mL for seizure control; for migraine, levels are not routinely needed &mdash; dose by clinical response.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Monitoring:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Baseline: LFTs (AST, ALT, bilirubin), FBC (platelet count), amylase, pregnancy test (women of childbearing potential), ammonia level (baseline)<\/li>\n<li>Month 1, 3, 6, then 6-monthly: LFTs, FBC<\/li>\n<li>Ammonia check if confusion or new cognitive symptoms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Stopzetting:<\/strong> taper over 2-4 weeks if stopping. In patients with co-existing epilepsy, never stop valproate without neurology input (seizure risk).<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#fff3f3;border-left:4px solid #d9534f;padding:16px 20px;margin:18px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<strong>&#9888;&#65039; PREGNANCY WARNING.<\/strong> Valproate is one of the most teratogenic drugs in routine clinical use. First-trimester exposure carries a <strong>~10% risk of major congenital malformations<\/strong> (neural tube defects, heart defects, cleft lip\/palate, limb defects, urogenital abnormalities) and a <strong>30-40% risk of neurodevelopmental impairment<\/strong> (reduced childhood IQ by 7-10 points, increased autism spectrum risk 5-fold). <strong>Valproate must NOT be used in pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential unless other options have failed and a formal pregnancy-prevention programme is in place.<\/strong> For migraine prevention, switch to <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/inderal\/\">propranolol<\/a>, amitriptyline, or a CGRP antagonist before planning pregnancy.\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bijwerkingen<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Very common (&gt;10%):<\/strong> nausea, dyspepsia, drowsiness, tremor, weight gain, hair thinning \/ hair loss, alopecia (usually transient; hair regrows after dose reduction or stopping).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vaak (1-10%):<\/strong> ataxia, dizziness, headache, transient elevation of LFTs, thrombocytopenia (usually mild and dose-related), amenorrhoea or irregular menses, polycystic ovarian syndrome (in younger women), decreased libido, peripheral oedema.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Zeldzaam maar ernstig:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Hepatotoxiciteit<\/strong> &mdash; idiosyncratic; typically in first 6 months; risk higher in children under 2, in patients with mitochondrial disorders (POLG mutations are an absolute contraindication), and in polytherapy. Presents as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice. Requires urgent LFT + discontinuation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pancreatitis<\/strong> &mdash; rare but potentially fatal; presents with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, raised lipase<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hyperammonemische encefalopathie<\/strong> &mdash; can occur with normal LFTs; presents as confusion, lethargy, new cognitive symptoms<\/li>\n<li><strong>Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia<\/strong> &mdash; dose-related; severe forms rare<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stevens-Johnson-syndroom \/ TEN<\/strong> &mdash; rare; stop immediately and seek urgent care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contra-indicaties<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pregnancy (absolute)<\/strong> and women of childbearing potential without pregnancy-prevention programme<\/li>\n<li><strong>Known or suspected POLG mitochondrial disorder<\/strong> (and children under 2 where POLG cannot be excluded) &mdash; risk of fatal hepatotoxicity<\/li>\n<li>Severe hepatic impairment or family history of severe hepatic dysfunction<\/li>\n<li>Acute porphyria<\/li>\n<li>Pancreatitis (personal history)<\/li>\n<li>Urea cycle disorders<\/li>\n<li>Hypersensitivity to valproate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Borstvoeding:<\/strong> valproate passes into milk in low amounts (milk\/plasma ratio ~0.02). Generally considered acceptable during breastfeeding if the drug is needed; monitor the infant for unusual lethargy or poor feeding.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Geneesmiddelinteracties<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lamotrigine<\/strong> &mdash; valproate doubles lamotrigine levels; dose lamotrigine at half the usual starting dose<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carbapenem antibiotics<\/strong> (meropenem, imipenem, ertapenem) &mdash; dramatically reduce valproate levels &mdash; seizure risk in epilepsy; avoid combination<\/li>\n<li><strong>Warfarine<\/strong> &mdash; valproate displaces warfarin from albumin; monitor INR<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aspirine<\/strong> &mdash; displaces valproate from albumin; raises free valproate concentration<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phenytoin, carbamazepine<\/strong> &mdash; reduce valproate levels via CYP induction<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other CNS depressants<\/strong> (benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioids) &mdash; additive sedation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opslag<\/h2>\n<p>Store below 25&deg;C in original blister. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faqs\">Veelgestelde vragen<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long until Encorate starts preventing migraines?<\/h3>\n<p>Allow 8-12 weeks at target dose for full effect. Keep a migraine diary recording days per month at baseline and at week 12. A clinically meaningful response is a 50% reduction in monthly migraine days.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Encorate safe if I am planning pregnancy?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Nee.<\/strong> Valproate is one of the most teratogenic drugs in clinical use (~10% malformation risk, 30-40% neurodevelopmental impairment risk). Women of childbearing potential should be switched to a safer preventive (<a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/inderal\/\">propranolol<\/a> is preferred in pregnancy) before conception. A 3-month washout is usually recommended before trying to conceive. Valproate should not be used in women planning or able to become pregnant without a formal pregnancy-prevention programme.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is the immediate-release form different from Encorate Chrono?<\/h3>\n<p>Same molecule (sodium valproate \/ valproic acid), different release profile. Encorate IR is immediate-release, requires twice- or thrice-daily dosing, and has slightly higher peak plasma levels (more nausea, tremor at peak). <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/encorate-chrono\/\">Encorate Chrono (extended-release)<\/a> allows once-daily dosing with better tolerability.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will Encorate make me gain weight?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes &mdash; weight gain is one of the most common side effects (average 3-5 kg over 6-12 months, more in some). Mechanism includes increased appetite, possibly altered glucose metabolism. If weight gain is problematic, consider switching to <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/topicon\/\">topiramate<\/a> (which causes weight loss) or <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/inderal\/\">propranolol<\/a> (weight-neutral).<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why do I need blood tests on Encorate?<\/h3>\n<p>Valproate can cause hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, and hyperammonaemia. Baseline + periodic LFTs, full blood count, and clinical monitoring catch problems early. Therapeutic drug monitoring (levels 50-100 &mu;g\/mL) is not routinely needed for migraine prevention &mdash; dose by clinical response.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I drink alcohol on Encorate?<\/h3>\n<p>Avoid regular or heavy alcohol use. Alcohol is additive with valproate&#8217;s sedation and adds to hepatic stress. Occasional small amounts are not absolutely contraindicated but regular drinking raises the risk of hepatotoxicity. Alcohol is also a common migraine trigger; reducing intake often improves migraine independent of valproate.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I stop Encorate abruptly?<\/h3>\n<p>No &mdash; taper over 2-4 weeks. Abrupt discontinuation can trigger rebound migraine and, in patients with any seizure tendency, seizure.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I buy Encorate online?<\/h3>\n<p>You can buy Encorate (sodium valproate 200 mg immediate-release tablet, 30-180 tablet packs) from MedsBase with discreet packaging and worldwide shipping.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gerelateerde migrainebehandelingen op MedsBase<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/zolmist-nasal-spray\/\">Zolmist Neusspray \u2014 Zolmitriptan 5 mg (snelle werking)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/zolitas-ods\/\">Zolitas ODS \u2014 Zolmitriptan 2,5\/5 mg orodispergeerbaar<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/maxtan\/\">Maxtan \u2014 Rizatriptan 5\/10 mg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/rizatop\/\">Rizatop \u2014 Rizatriptan 10 mg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/rizact\/\">Rizact \u2014 Rizatriptan (Cipla)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/sumitop\/\">Sumitop \u2014 Sumatriptan 25\/50\/100 mg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/anti-migraine\/\"><strong>Bekijk alle anti-migrainebehandelingen<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background:#fff3f3;border-left:4px solid #d9534f;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:4px;\"><strong>\u2695 Medisch disclaimer.<\/strong> Deze pagina is alleen voor informatieve doeleinden en vervangt geen medisch advies van een gekwalificeerde zorgprofessional. Raadpleeg altijd uw arts voordat u begint, verandert of stopt met een migrainemedicatie.<\/div>\n<h3>Waarom bestellen bij MedsBase<\/h3>\n<p class=\"medsbase-reship-line\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:8px 0 18px;\">\ud83d\udce6 Elke bestelling is gedekt door onze <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/medsbase-re-shipment-assurance-policy\/\"><strong>Reshipment Assurance Policy<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 als uw pakket niet binnen 20 werkdagen arriveert, sturen wij het opnieuw.<\/p>\n<p><!-- medsbase-related-alts-v1 --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gerelateerde alternatieven<\/h3>\n<p>Andere producten in <strong>Chronische aandoeningen<\/strong> die klanten ook bekijken:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/modin-2-5\/\">Modin 2.5<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/glyxambi-empagliflozin\/\">Glyxambi (Empagliflozin)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/leetrexate\/\">Leetrexate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/ramcor\/\">Ramcor<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/baclof-liquid\/\">Baclof Vloeistof (Baclofen Oraale Oplossing 5 mg\/5 ml) \u2014 Verlichting van spasticiteit<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Encorate is sodium valproate 200 mg immediate-release tablets from Sun Pharma \u2014 an antiepileptic \/ mood-stabiliser \/ migraine preventive. For migraine prevention: 250 mg twice daily titrated to 500-1,500 mg\/day divided doses. WARNING: Pregnancy Category D \u2014 valproate causes ~10% major congenital malformation risk and 30-40% neurodevelopmental impairment risk. Women of childbearing potential require formal pregnancy-prevention programme.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":61046,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[3553,3141,3223],"product_tag":[4968,4677],"class_list":{"0":"post-61045","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-anti-migraine","7":"product_cat-category-overview","8":"product_cat-chronic-conditions","9":"product_tag-encorate","10":"product_tag-sodium-valproate","12":"first","13":"instock","14":"shipping-taxable","15":"purchasable","16":"product-type-variable","17":"has-default-attributes"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/61045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61045"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61046"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=61045"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=61045"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=61045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}