About sodium valproate
Antiseizure medicine; mood stabiliser
Used for
- Treats seizures when oral treatment is not possible
- May be used for certain seizure emergencies under specialist care
Usual adult dose
Usually given by intravenous infusion; dose and rate depend on the condition and previous treatment.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-prescribed intravenous dosing is based on body weight and the child’s current treatment.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or tremor
- Liver or pancreas injury
- Low blood cell counts
Important warnings
- Can cause severe birth defects and affect a child’s development if used during pregnancy.
- Serious liver or pancreas injury can occur, especially in young children or with other risk factors.
- Do not stop seizure treatment abruptly without medical supervision.
- Use requires specialist monitoring, including liver function and blood counts.
Pregnancy
Can cause major birth defects and developmental problems. For epilepsy, use in pregnancy only when no suitable alternative exists and specialist oversight is provided.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk. Breastfeeding is often possible, but the infant should be monitored for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, or jaundice.
Interactions
- Carbapenem antibiotics can sharply lower valproate levels and reduce seizure control.
- Lamotrigine levels may rise, increasing risk of serious skin reactions.
- Aspirin and some other medicines can increase valproate effects or bleeding risk.
- Other sedating medicines may increase drowsiness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.