Valproic acid is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat certain types of epilepsy (fits or seizures).
This medicine may be used to treat episodes of feeling highly excited or overactive associated with bipolar disorder (mental condition that causes extreme mood changes between feeling very high [mania] and very low [depression]).
Valproic acid may also be used to prevent migraine (severe throbbing or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound).
Take Valproic acid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different brands and preparations of Valproic acid may only be used for a specific condition.
Do not take this medicine for any conditions other than what is prescribed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Valproic acid is available as a conventional or delayed-release tablet or capsule, extended-release or prolonged-release tablet, modified-release granules, and an oral solution or syrup.
If you are taking the delayed-release, prolonged-release or extended-release type of tablet or capsule, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet or capsule.
If you are taking the modified-release granules, sprinkle the granules on a small amount of cold or room temperature soft foods or drinks such as yoghurt, ice cream, jam, milkshake or orange juice. Swallow the mixture immediately. Do not chew or crush the granules. Do not sprinkle the granules on warm or hot foods or drinks such as soup, coffee, or tea.
If you are taking the oral solution or syrup, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Valproic acid must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- urea cycle disorders (inherited disorder that affects certain enzymes involved in the removal of ammonia from the blood)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (a rare inherited disease that causes fits or seizures, liver disease, and thinking, memory or social disability)
- active or family history of liver problems
as Valproic acid may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant or if you are of childbearing potential. If you become pregnant while being treated with Valproic acid, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Valproic acid.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
- carnitine palmitoyltransferase type II deficiency (a condition that prevents the body to use certain fats for energy)
- brain disease
If you are taking this medicine to treat epilepsy or bipolar disorder, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. Valproic acid may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Valproic acid therapy. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not switch between different brands or preparations unless advised by your doctor.
Individuals who have inherited disorders caused by a mutation in a certain gene known as
POLG (e.g. Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome) may experience an increased risk of developing serious liver disease with Valproic acid. Your doctor may perform genetic testing before giving you this medicine to know if it is suitable for you. If you know you have this gene mutation, inform your doctor immediately.
If you are going to have a certain laboratory test (e.g. thyroid function test) or an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Valproic acid.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, complete blood count, ammonia levels) may be done while you are being treated with Valproic acid. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of liver disease, inflammation of the pancreas, and suicidal ideation or behaviour may also be needed.
Valproic acid may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach wind, weight gain, ringing in the ears, confusion, hair loss, and nail problems.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- severe stomach pain that radiates to the back accompanied by nausea or vomiting
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent)
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive or impulsive behaviour)
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, topiramate
- medicines used to treat depression e.g. moclobemide
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. olanzapine, quetiapine, chlorpromazine
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, lopinavir, zidovudine
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- certain antibiotics e.g. meropenem, erythromycin
- medicines for malaria e.g. mefloquine, chloroquine
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- aspirin (NSAID or medicine for pain and inflammation)
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Valproic acid.
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking hormonal birth control pills as these pills can reduce the effectiveness of Valproic acid. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Valproic acid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Available products of Valproic acid may vary with its storage requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly store this medicine.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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