Safe use of sodium valproate

Abstract

Valproate is an anticonvulsant drug which is approved for use in epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It has also been used for neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis. Gastrointestinal adverse effects are common, particularly at the start of therapy. Important adverse effects include pancreatitis, hepatitis, weight gain and sedation. There is an increased risk of fetal abnormalities if valproate is taken in pregnancy. Measuring concentrations of serum valproate is often unnecessary. They do not correlate closely with its therapeutic effects. If withdrawal of valproate is required, this should be done slowly if possible. Rapid cessation may provoke seizures in patients with epilepsy.

Comparison of Levetiracetam and sodium Valproate in the prevention of migraine: a randomized clinical trial study

“…But long term use of this medication due to its side effects (depression, muscle weakness, tremor, ataxia, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, constipation, increased Appetite, anorexia, hepatitis, weight gain, alopecia, multiple form erythema, flu like syndrome, itching, rash, Stevens Johnson syndrome) can be limited in future. 11 This study is in line with previous studies that reported the efficacy of levetiracetam in preventing migraines. Virgilio Gallai et al, in a study reported a reduction of 50% in the number of headache attacks after receiving levetiracetam and showed that the number of migraine attacks was significantly reduced, which was in line with the result of our study which showed high efficacy of levetiracetam.…”

The use of low‐dose sodium valproate in the management of neuropathic pain: illustrative case series

“…Sodium valproate should be avoided in patients with liver disease, a family history of liver disease, porphyria or a urea cycle disorder. 18 McQuay et al 19 found no analgesic effect of sodium valproate in the acute pain settings. A Cochrane review into the area concluded that even though there is 'some evidence that sodium valproate may be effective in the treatment of chronic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia', the current evidence is lacking in numbers and has limitations.…”

“…None of the patients in this case study reported side effects or lack of tolerance to sodium valproate. Sodium valproate should be avoided in patients with liver disease, a family history of liver disease, porphyria or a urea cycle disorder …”

Type II Lissencephaly with chronic epilepsy and behavioral disturbances: A rare case report

“…Valproic acid is indicated for the treatment of various types of epilepsy including tonic-clonic seizure (Longo et al, 2013). Sodium valproate is an antiepileptic indicated for the treatment of focal as well as generalized seizure episodes (Zawab & Carmody, 2014). In children, Valproic acid is also indicated for the symptoms of irritability, impulsivity, and aggression (Rana et al, 2005).…”