About valproate sodium
Antiseizure medicine; mood stabilizer
Used for
- Treats several types of epilepsy and seizures.
- Prevents manic episodes in bipolar disorder in some countries.
- Prevents migraine in some countries.
Usual adult dose
Epilepsy: often starts at 600 mg daily, increased gradually; usual 1,000–2,000 mg daily. Dosing depends on weight and blood levels.
Usual dose in children
Epilepsy: usually starts at 10–15 mg/kg daily, increased gradually; maximum commonly 60 mg/kg daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort
- Sleepiness, tremor, or weight gain
- Hair thinning
- Low platelets or liver problems
Important warnings
- Can cause severe birth defects and developmental problems; pregnancy restrictions apply.
- Rarely causes serious liver or pancreas injury, especially early in treatment.
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures may worsen.
- May require blood tests and monitoring.
Pregnancy
High risk of birth defects and developmental harm. Avoid during pregnancy unless specialist assessment finds no suitable alternative; rules vary by country and condition.
Breastfeeding
Usually compatible with breastfeeding; monitor the baby for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, bruising, or jaundice.
Interactions
- Carbapenem antibiotics can sharply lower valproate levels.
- Valproate can raise lamotrigine levels and severe-rash risk.
- Aspirin may increase valproate levels or bleeding risk.
- Alcohol and other sedatives 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.