Valproic acid
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
Definite
Pharmaceutical Class
Mood Stabilizer
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Valproic acid
Summary
Valproic acid is primarily used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. It is effective for different types of seizures in adults and older children, and can be used alone or in conjunction with other seizure medications.
Valproic acid works by increasing GABA levels in the brain, which helps calm overactive nerve activity that causes seizures or mood swings.
Valproic acid dosage starts low and is gradually increased each week until seizures stop or side effects appear. The maximum amount is limited and very high doses aren't recommended. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions on how many pills to take and when to take them.
Common side effects of Valproic acid include nausea, stomach pain, sleepiness, and a skin rash. In rare cases, it can lead to bleeding, very high ammonia levels, and sleepiness in older people.
Valproic acid can make you sleepy and dizzy, so avoid alcohol, other sleep medicines, and driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
Indications and Purpose
How does Valproic acid work?
Valproic acid increases GABA levels in the brain, calming overactive nerve activity that causes seizures or mood swings.
Is Valproic acid effective?
Clinical studies have shown that valproic acid effectively reduces seizure frequency and severity in patients with epilepsy. It is also recognized for stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder and preventing migraines.
What is Valproic acid?
Valproic acid is a medicine that helps stop seizures. It's used for different types of seizures in adults and older children. Doctors sometimes use it with other seizure medicines to make them work better. Exactly how it stops seizures isn't fully understood, but it helps the brain's electrical activity stay more regular.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Valproic acid?
Doctors decide how long someone needs to take valproic acid. There's no set time; it depends on the person and why they're taking it. Some might need it for a short time, while others might need it long-term.
How do I take Valproic acid?
Take your valproic acid pills exactly as your doctor tells you. Follow their instructions on how many pills to take and when to take them. Only your doctor can change your dose; don't do it yourself. Never suddenly stop taking the medicine; that can be dangerous. Your doctor will tell you if you need to take it with food or not.
How long does it take for Valproic acid to start working?
Valproic acid typically begins to exert its effects within a few days to weeks after starting treatment, depending on the individual and the condition being treated
How should I store Valproic acid?
Keep the medicine in a cool place, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (that's like room temperature). Make sure kids can't get to it.
What is the usual dose of Valproic acid?
Start with a low dose of medicine and gradually increase it each week until seizures stop or side effects appear. The maximum amount is limited, and very high doses aren't helpful. If the total daily dose gets too high, split it into smaller doses throughout the day. Blood tests to measure the medicine's level aren't always perfectly accurate in predicting how well it's working.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Valproic acid with other prescription drugs?
Some medicines can affect how your body uses valproate (a seizure medicine). Taking valproate with aspirin can make it much stronger. Certain antibiotics (carbapenems) can make valproate less effective. Other seizure medicines like phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital can make your body get rid of valproate faster. A medicine called cholestyramine can also lower valproate levels. Because of all this, your doctor needs to check your valproate levels often, especially when you start or stop taking other medicines.
Can Valproic acid be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Taking valproate while breastfeeding needs close watching of the baby for liver problems (like jaundice or easy bleeding) because there's a small chance of liver damage. The amount of the medicine in breast milk is low compared to the mother's blood, and a study showed no serious problems in children up to age six who were exposed this way. However, careful monitoring by a doctor is important.
Can Valproic acid be taken safely while pregnant?
Taking valproate while pregnant greatly raises the chances of birth defects, particularly problems with the baby's brain and spine, much more so than other epilepsy medicines. The higher the dose, the greater the risk. It can also increase the risk of lower IQ and developmental delays. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy might help prevent some spine problems, but its effect on intelligence isn't clear. Stopping valproate suddenly is very dangerous and can cause severe seizures. Tests to check for birth defects should be offered during pregnancy.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Valproic acid?
Valproic acid can make you sleepy and dizzy. Don't drink alcohol or take other sleep medicines while you're on it, because that will make the sleepiness and dizziness much worse.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Valproic acid?
Exercise is generally safe while taking valproic acid. If you feel fatigued or dizzy during workouts, consult your doctor before continuing strenuous activity.
Is Valproic acid safe for the elderly?
Older adults might need a lower starting dose of this medicine, and their doctor may need to lower the dose or stop it altogether if they get very sleepy. More older people taking this medicine reported things like accidents, infections, pain, sleepiness, and shakiness. But it's not clear if the medicine caused these problems, or if they were already there, or caused by other medicines.
Who should avoid taking Valproic acid?
Valproic acid can make you sleepy and dizzy, so don't drink alcohol or take other sleep aids while you're taking it. Don't drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you. It can also cause bleeding problems, stomach pain, blurry or double vision, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, hair loss, and trouble walking. Keep it at room temperature. Never stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
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