Valproic Acid
About Valproic Acid
Valproic Acid is used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits. In addition, Valproic Acid also treats manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Additionally, it can prevent migraine symptoms (such as headache).
Valproic Acid contains valproic acid, which helps stabilise abnormal brain activity. It supports effective seizure control and helps calm overactive neural activity. It also helps manage mood changes in bipolar disorder and reduces the frequency of migraine attacks. This improves neurological balance and supports better functioning.
Administer Valproic Acid with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset. You may sometimes experience nausea, upset stomach or stomach pain, tremors (shakes), sleepiness, headache, weight gain and thinning hair. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any components present in Valproic Acid. If you are pregnant, do not take Valproic Acid because it may cause serious congenital defects. Valproic Acid is generally not recommended during breastfeeding; consult your physician before taking Valproic Acid.
Uses of Valproic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Valproic Acid, when used as prescribed, may provide the following benefits:
For Controls Seizures:
- Helps stabilise abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Reduces sudden episodes of excessive brain stimulation
For Managing Bipolar Disorder:
- Helps maintain emotional balance.
- Reduces the intensity and frequency of extreme mood changes
For Preventing Migraine Headaches:
- Helps reduce the risk of recurrent severe headaches.
- Reduces the impact of migraine on daily life.
Directions for Use
- Valproic Acid can be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.
- It is usually taken twice daily; however, your doctor may adjust the dosage and timing based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Swallow Valproic Acid as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush or chew this medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Valproic Acid
- Stomach pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Diarrhoea
- Dry or sore mouth or swollen gums
- Shakes (tremors) in a part of your body
- Unusual eye movements
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair, or changes to the colour or texture of your hair
- Irregular or delayed periods
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Before taking the Valproic Acid, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant, plan to have a baby, or are breastfeeding.
- You should not become pregnant during treatment with Valproic Acid.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Valproic Acid.
- Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine.
- You must not drive or operate machinery while taking Valproic Acid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as there may be an interaction.
- Immunity-lowering medicines (Leflunomide, Teriflunomide)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of liver problems when used together. - Anaesthetic (loss of sensation) and pain-relief medicine (Ketamine)
• Potential effect: May increase side effects and cause respiratory depression. - Mood-stabilising medicine (Lithium)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm. - Strong pain-relief medicine – Opioid (Buprenorphine)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of severe side effects, including breathing problems and loss of consciousness. - Antibiotic medicines (Ertapenem, Meropenem)
• Potential effect: May reduce the blood levels of Valproic Acid and decrease its effectiveness.
Drug-Food Interactions:
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking Valproic Acid, as it may increase dizziness and sleepiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of this condition before taking Valproic Acid.
- Depression
- Liver disease
- Urea cycle disorders (ammonia buildup disorders)
- Suicidal thoughts
- HIV disease
- Hereditary mitochondrial disorders
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not consume alcohol while taking Valproic Acid as alcohol can worsen the side effects of the Valproic Acid, including sleepiness and dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeValproic Acid is a Category D pregnancy drug. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause an increase in the risk of a cleft lip, which is a congenital disability in the unborn baby. If you are a female able to have a baby, you must use an effective method of birth control (contraception) without interruption during your entire treatment with Valproic Acid.
Breast Feeding
cautionValproic Acid passes into breast milk and may harm your infant. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Valproic Acid. Breastfed infants are at risk for valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity, so infants should be monitored for jaundice and other signs of liver damage during maternal therapy.
Driving
unsafeValproic Acid may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or fatigue in some individuals. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy, dizzy or tired after taking Valproic Acid.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before taking the Valproic Acid if you have a history of liver diseases. Extreme caution is recommended in patients with impaired liver function. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Valproic Acid.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please inform your doctor if you have kidney impairment.
Children
cautionUse is not recommended for children under 10 years old. Your doctor will decide the dose based on your child's condition if they are more than ten years old.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Diet:
- Follow a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet if advised by your doctor.
- Maintain a balanced meal plan to support overall health.
Physical Activity:
- Exercise regularly to help maintain a healthy weight and general fitness.
Safety & Preparedness:
- Keep a seizure response plan and inform people around you.
- Make simple home safety changes to reduce injury risk.
- Identify and avoid known seizure triggers.
- Use an alarm or emergency device to call for help during a seizure.
Rest & Sleep:
- Get enough rest and sleep to reduce seizure risk.
Habits:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Stress Management:
- Practice meditation or yoga to reduce stress and improve coping ability.
Special Advise
- Blood and urine tests may be affected by the Valproic Acid. Inform the person conducting the exams that you will be taking Valproic Acid.
- If you are of childbearing age, utilise effective contraception continuously during your treatment with Valproic Acid.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Valproic Acid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy: It is a sudden rush of electricity in the brain. It is a nervous system disorder characterised by disrupted nerve cell activity in the brain. In epilepsy, the brain's electrical rhythms become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures. In patients with seizures, the typical brain electrical pattern is disrupted by sudden electrical impulses that affect consciousness, movement, or sensation. Seizures are of two types: generalised and partial seizures. Generalised seizures affect the entire brain, whereas partial seizures affect only a part of the brain. Seizures can cause uncontrollable muscle cramps and spasms. More substantial seizures may cause people to become confused or unconscious. Possible causes include high fever, trauma, genetic disorder, brain injury, or stroke.
Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression or bipolar disease, is a mental health disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Symptoms of manic episodes include high energy, loss of touch with reality, and reduced need for sleep. Symptoms of depressive episodes include low motivation, low energy, and loss of interest in daily life.
Migraine: Migraine is a neurological condition that is characterised by intense headaches. A migraine is typically a moderate to severe headache characterised by throbbing pain on one side of the head.
FAQs
Valproic Acid is used to treat epilepsy/seizures/fits. In addition, it also helps treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and prevent migraine symptoms (like a headache).
Valproic Acid decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain. Thereby helping in controlling seizures.
Valproic Acid helps to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder by increasing the amount of a chemical substance called GABA; this helps block nerve transmission across the brain and provides a calming effect.
Valproic Acid limits the transmission of nerve pain, thereby preventing migraine headaches. Migraines are a neurological condition characterised by intense headaches.
Valproic Acid may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Maintain a healthy weight by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Use an effective method of contraception during the treatment with Valproic Acid. Avoid getting pregnant while taking Valproic Acid as it could lead to serious birth defects. Do not stop taking Valproic Acid and consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Valproic Acid may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Maintain a healthy weight by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Valproic Acid may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, sleepiness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, stomach pain, and weight gain. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Valproic Acid contains Valproic acid as its active ingredient.
Take Valproic Acid with food to avoid stomach upset or as advised by your doctor.
You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Valproic Acid as it may worsen the side effects of the Valproic Acid, including sleepiness and dizziness.
No, Valproic Acid does not cause addiction. However, Valproic Acid should be used as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
Valproic Acid does not cure epilepsy; it only helps prevent seizures. However, you must take Valproic Acid for as long as your doctor advises. If you face any difficulty while taking Valproic Acid, consult your doctor.
If you stop taking Valproic Acid suddenly, it may increase the risk of recurrence of seizures. Therefore, it should be stopped gradually. If you feel the need to discontinue Valproic Acid, please consult your physician.
Some birth control pills (oestrogen-containing birth control pills) may lower the levels of Valproic Acid in blood. Thus, inform your doctor if you are using birth control pills and discuss with your doctor about a suitable method of contraception.
Valproic Acid is safe for long-term use in many patients when prescribed by a physician. In rare cases, prolonged use of Valproic Acid may weaken bones, thereby increasing the risk of fractures (osteopenia and osteoporosis). Get regular checkups for bone health if you have been taking Valproic Acid for a long time.
Valproic Acid may cause hair thinning, hair colour changes and even hair loss. If you have any concerns about this, please ask your doctor whether it is possible to reduce the dose of Valproic Acid. Your hair may regrow after either lowering your dose or changing medication.
