Generic
Sodium Valproate (Valproic Acid)
55 brands available in the market
At a glance
Sodium Valproate (Valproic Acid) is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer used for epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention. It controls abnormal nerve activity by increasing GABA levels in the brain.
Description
Sodium Valproate is a carboxylic acid anticonvulsant. Its antiepileptic activity is related to increased brain levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It inhibits GABA transaminase and enhances GABA synthesis, increasing inhibitory neurotransmitter levels in the brain, reducing excessive nerve cell activity and controlling seizures.
Indications
- Epilepsy (complex partial seizures, absence seizures)
- Manic episodes in bipolar disorder
- Migraine prevention
Therapeutic class
Anticonvulsants
Pharmacological class
Carboxylic Acid Anticonvulsant
Pharmacology
Sodium Valproate increases brain GABA levels by inhibiting GABA transaminase and enhancing GABA synthesis. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces excessive nerve cell activity. It also affects sodium channels and inhibits T-type calcium channels, helping to prevent seizures.
Mechanism of action
Controls abnormal nerve activity by increasing GABA levels in the brain.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Complex partial seizures: Start 10-15 mg/kg/day; increase by 5-10 mg/kg/day weekly; max 60 mg/kg/day
- Absence seizures: Start 15 mg/kg/day (divided q6-12hr); increase by 5-10 mg/kg/day weekly; max 60 mg/kg/day
- Migraine prevention: 250 mg twice daily; adjust based on response; max 1000 mg/day
- Bipolar mania: 750 mg/day in divided doses; rapid titration; max 60 mg/kg/day
Pediatric Dose:
- ≥10 years (migraine): 250 mg twice daily; max 1000 mg/day
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- Take at the same time each day
- Do not stop abruptly (may increase seizure frequency)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Weight gain, loss of appetite
- Gum swelling, headache, sleepiness
- Tremor, hair loss
- Liver injury (elevated liver enzymes)
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in liver disease or history of hepatic dysfunction
- Unsafe in pregnancy; inform doctor if planning pregnancy
- Avoid alcohol (increases CNS depression)
- Monitor for suicidal thoughts/behavior
- Regular blood tests (liver function, blood counts) required
Contraindications
- Pre-existing or family history of hepatic dysfunction
- Active liver disease
- Porphyria
- Mitochondrial and urea cycle disorders
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy
Drug interactions
- Carbamazepine: Increased hepatotoxicity risk and decreased valproic acid levels
- Carbapenems: Decreased valproic acid levels (concurrent use not recommended)
- Lamotrigine: Increased lamotrigine levels
- Phenobarbital, phenytoin: Decreased valproic acid levels
- Aspirin: Increased valproic acid levels
- Clonazepam: Increased absence status risk
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Sodium Valproate (increased CNS depression).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe in pregnancy (Category D); definite evidence of risk to the developing baby; use only in life-threatening situations; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; human studies suggest insignificant passage into breastmilk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Indicated for children (age and weight-based)
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution required; dose adjustment may be needed; do not use in severe or active liver disease; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Drowsiness, bradycardia, coma; symptomatic treatment; gastric lavage, activated charcoal; naloxone ineffective; hemodialysis limited benefit.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Sodium Valproate