About sodium valproate
Antiseizure medicine; mood stabilizer
Used for
- Treatment of epilepsy and certain seizure types
- Prevention of migraine in some countries
- Treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder
Usual adult dose
Epilepsy: commonly 600 mg daily initially, adjusted gradually; usual range 1,000–2,000 mg daily. Other uses vary.
Usual dose in children
Epilepsy: commonly 10–15 mg/kg daily initially, increased gradually; usual range 20–30 mg/kg daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea
- Tremor, sleepiness, or dizziness
- Weight gain or hair thinning
- Low platelets or liver injury
Important warnings
- Can cause severe birth defects and developmental harm; pregnancy prevention precautions are essential.
- Rarely causes serious liver or pancreas injury; risk is higher in young children.
- May cause suicidal thoughts, unusual bruising, or severe allergic reactions.
- Do not stop suddenly; stopping can trigger serious seizures.
Pregnancy
Avoid for migraine prevention during pregnancy. For epilepsy or bipolar disorder, use only when essential; risks and alternatives require specialist review.
Breastfeeding
Valproate usually passes into milk in small amounts and is generally considered compatible; monitor the infant for jaundice, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness.
Interactions
- Carbapenem antibiotics can sharply reduce valproate levels.
- Valproate can increase lamotrigine levels and serious rash risk.
- Aspirin and some blood thinners can increase 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.