Orfiril long
Orfiril long is a medicine used to treat epilepsy and mania.
Form
depotrakeet
Strength
500 mg
Active Ingredient
Sodium valproate
Manufacturer
Desitin Arzneimittel GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
For epilepsy, the usual adult starting dose is 600 mg per day. For mania, the recommended starting dose is 750 mg, and the usual daily dose generally ranges from 1000 mg to 2000 mg.
Method
Take Orfiril long by mouth with a small amount of liquid (e.g., water) before, during, or after a meal. The granules can also be mixed with soft food or drink. Do not chew the medicine.
Important
The recommended maximum daily dose is generally 2000 mg for mania.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems (especially at the start of treatment)
- •Tremor
- •Increased ammonia levels in the blood
- •Headache
- •Drowsiness or feeling tired
- •Dizziness
- •Diarrhea
- •Hair loss
- •Weight changes (gain or loss)
- •Changes in appetite
- •Seizures (convulsions)
- •Bruising or bleeding more easily
- •Reduced numbers of blood cells (platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells)
- •Tingling or burning sensation on the skin
- •Confusion
RARE
- •Severe liver damage or liver failure
- •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be fatal
- •Swelling of the face, hands, feet, or other body parts that may cause breathing problems (angioedema)
- •Kidney failure, with reduced urine output
- •Worsening of seizures
- •Unsteady gait or difficulty with coordination
- •Severe skin reactions with blisters (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- •Polycystic ovary syndrome, missed or painful periods
- •Male infertility (often reversible after stopping treatment)
- •Hearing loss (temporary or permanent)
- •Psychosis, depression, or anxiety
- •Thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
Important Warnings
- Orfiril long can seriously harm an unborn child if taken during pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must use effective contraception throughout the treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you plan to become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant. Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of liver damage, such as increased seizures, severe fatigue, abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, swelling of legs or arms, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- Seek immediate medical attention if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, a severe rash, balance problems, confusion, or breathing difficulties. These can be signs of serious side effects, such as blood clotting disorders, severe skin reactions, or high ammonia levels in the blood.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Low serum albumin levels increase the response. Consider potential adverse effects, such as hyponatraemia och hematological changes. Monitor liver function. (updated 10.11.2025)