About sodium valproate + valproic acid
Antiepileptic; mood stabilizer
Used for
- Treats epilepsy and helps prevent seizures
- Treats manic episodes in bipolar disorder
- Prevents migraine in some regions
Usual adult dose
Epilepsy: commonly 600 mg daily initially, adjusted gradually. Bipolar mania: commonly 750 mg daily initially, then adjusted.
Usual dose in children
Epilepsy: usually started at 10–15 mg/kg daily, increased gradually according to response.
Common side effects
- Nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea
- Sleepiness, tremor, or dizziness
- Weight gain or hair thinning
- Low platelets or liver problems
Important warnings
- Can cause severe liver injury, especially in young children or with certain conditions
- Can cause pancreatitis; urgent assessment is needed for severe abdominal pain
- Do not stop suddenly without medical supervision
- Blood tests may be needed to monitor liver function and blood counts
Pregnancy
High risk of serious birth defects and impaired development; generally avoided during pregnancy, especially for migraine or bipolar disorder.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter milk; breastfeeding is often possible, but the infant should be monitored for unusual sleepiness or feeding problems.
Interactions
- Carbapenem antibiotics can sharply reduce valproate levels
- Lamotrigine levels and toxicity risk can increase
- Aspirin may increase valproate levels
- Other sedating medicines can worsen 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.