{"id":4988,"date":"2024-11-02T13:23:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-02T13:23:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/?p=4988"},"modified":"2024-11-02T13:23:21","modified_gmt":"2024-11-02T13:23:21","slug":"hmn-valproic-acid-side-effects-and-how-to-avoid-them-in-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-valproic-acid-side-effects-and-how-to-avoid-them-in-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"HMN: Valproic acid side effects and how to avoid them in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<br \/>Do you know:  Valproic acid side effects and how to avoid them in 2025<\/p>\n<p>\n                                    Valproic acid side effects include liver damage, weight changes, hair loss, and bradycardia                                 <\/p>\n<div id=\"main-content\">\n<div id=\"post-intro\">\n<div id=\"takeaways\">\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer but can cause serious side effects like liver damage, weight changes, hair loss, and bradycardia.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Common side effects of valproic acid include gastrointestinal issues, mood changes, and hair thinning, with serious side effects involving organ damage and blood disorders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Liver monitoring and weight management are crucial for those taking valproic acid to minimize risks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Valproic acid requires careful management, including regular blood tests and avoiding certain medications and alcohol, to mitigate its side effects.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"anchorLinks\">\n<div class=\"mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"dropdownLists\">\n<div class=\"dropdownBtn\"><span class=\"listsIcon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/union.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"20\"\/><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label><\/label><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"downArrow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/dropDownArrow.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a generic prescription drug used primarily as an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anticonvulsan<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mood stabilizer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is approved by the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to control certain <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of seizures<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">epilepsy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but it is also commonly prescribed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">off-label<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to treat <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or prevent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">migraine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> headaches<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproate sodium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the injectable version of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people will be given the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK559112\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more stable version of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">divalproex<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sodium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also known as the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brand name<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depakote<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Divalproex<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC181204\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lasts longer in the body<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, requires lower doses than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, has fewer severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-approved for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seizure disorders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and migraine prevention. This article focuses mainly on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-valproic-acid\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of valproic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/30305\/valproic-acid\/Adverse-Reactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of valproic acid include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decrease in platelets (blood <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clotting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cells)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach upset<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair thinning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight increase\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change in appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nervousness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spotted bleeding under the skin\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinnitus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver dysfunction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memory impairment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abnormal gait<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid eye movements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sensitivity to sunlight<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-valproic-acid\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of valproic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects of valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated levels of ammonia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low sodium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bone marrow suppression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothermia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallucinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal thoughts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s disease symptoms (muscle rigidity, slow muscle movements, tremor)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Altered brain function<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brain shrinkage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged ovaries with ovarian cysts (polycystic ovary syndrome)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Withdrawal seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe drug or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"liver-damage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver damage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can damage the liver. About <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK548284\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5% to 10%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people on long-term <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treatment will experience increases in liver enzymes, usually without symptoms. However, in some people, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause significant <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver problems,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including excess ammonia (hyperammonemia), liver injury, liver failure, and, in children, a condition similar to Reye\u2019s syndrome. People taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should have regular blood tests to measure liver enzymes. If any symptoms of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver problems<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> appear, immediately tell the prescriber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"weight-changes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight changes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a significant problem when taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Approximately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2753432\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">57% to 58%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will gain weight during treatment. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20880119\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women are more affected than men<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For the most part, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will become obvious in the first three months of treatment, so people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should regularly monitor body weight. If weight starts increasing, inform the prescriber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hair-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is experienced by about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1059131119300500\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one in nine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That being said, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a relatively <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anticonvulsants<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with an incidence ranging from less than 1% to 6%. Usually, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> caused by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">partly reversible<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when the drug is stopped. If one\u2019s hair starts to thin while taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, talk to the prescriber about other treatment options.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bradycardia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bradycardia<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bradycardia occurs when there is a heart rate that is slower than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">normal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and it is a reported <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effect of valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Bradycardia and other heart rhythm problems can occur <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1528-1157.1996.tb00536.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">after seizures<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In fact, seizure-induced bradycardia is considered <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/j.1540-8159.2011.03276.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one potential cause<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of sudden death in people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">epilepsy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bradycardia is a serious and potentially <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">life-threatening<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medical condition. No matter what the cause, get immediate medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms of bradycardia, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tiredness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, fatigue, inability to do physical activity, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, or chest pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-soon-do-valproic-acid-side-effects-start\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects of valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> begin <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Depakene-valproic-acid-979.5705\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">early<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in treatment. These include digestive system complaints, sleeplessness, vision changes, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drowsiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and mood issues. The most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are usually delayed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">elevated liver enzymes might happen early, and liver failure and death, though rare, could happen in the first six months of treatment. Additionally, severe and even <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">life-threatening<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreatitis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can occur right after the first few doses or months into treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-valproic-acid-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some mild <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as gastrointestinal issues, may improve as the body adjusts to the drug. Other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as liver <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abnormalities<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, blood disorders, or neurological problems, may get worse the longer the drug is taken. The drug is usually stopped in those cases. Minor <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will usually improve after the drug has been discontinued. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when caught in time, generally improve in a couple of days. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, blood disorders, or some other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may take a while to reverse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-long-term-side-effects-of-valproic-acid\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is meant to be used over the long term. Prolonged use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> makes <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more likely and can worsen any drug-induced <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are also worsened with long-term use, so the drug is usually discontinued at any sign of liver, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or neurological <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abnormalities<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"valproic-acid-contraindications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contraindications<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is never prescribed to people with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Liver disease<\/b><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or significant liver dysfunction are at risk for liver failure and death when taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mitochondrial<\/b><b> disease: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mitochondria are small, organ-like structures (organelles) in cells that generate the cell\u2019s energy. People with certain types of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mitochondrial<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> diseases called POLG-related <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mitochondrial<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disorders are at risk for severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver damage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, liver failure, and death when taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Urea cycle disorders<\/b><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urea cycle disorders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014a set of genetic problems with the body\u2019s enzymes\u2014are prone to high ammonia levels, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effect of valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. High ammonia levels can cause serious and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">life-threatening<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> brain problems (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">encephalopathy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Known allergies to the drug<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"pregnancy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a risky medicine to take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">while pregnant<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It has been shown to sometimes cause <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth defects,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spina bifida<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neural tube defects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, heart structure problems, and malformed limbs. The risk is greatest in the first trimester, but <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unborn babies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> whose mothers take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the third trimester can be born with low blood sugar or potentially fatal liver failure. For this reason, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is contraindicated as a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">migraine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medication in women who are pregnant or who are of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">childbearing age<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and not on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is only used as a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seizure medication<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during pregnancy when no other drug will work and the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to talk to the prescribing healthcare provider if pregnant or there are plans to get pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"breastfeeding\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be taken while <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breastfeeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is present in breast milk, but the infant\u2019s exposure is small. So far, there is no evidence of developmental or cognitive problems, but there is at least one report of low <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">platelet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> counts and anemia in a baby exposed to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is used when <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breastfeeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the prescriber may ask the mother <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501274\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to monitor the infant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for signs of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver problems<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and unusual bleeding or bruising.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"children\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-approved to treat complex <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">partial seizures<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in children 10 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">years of age and older<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or to treat simple or complex absence seizures in children who weigh at least 22 pounds. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare professionals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are discouraged from <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">using valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in children younger than two <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">years of age<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because of the risk of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver damage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"seniors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seniors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of declining liver function and a greater vulnerability to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drowsiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, people older than 65 years of age are typically started on a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low dose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"valproic-acid-warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has several risks, so it\u2019s not surprising that it comes with a variety of warnings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"black-box-warning\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black box warning<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> comes with four <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boxed warnings<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Liver toxicity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause liver failure within six months of starting treatment. Children two years old and younger are particularly vulnerable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Liver toxicity in people with <\/b><b>mitochondrial<\/b><b> disease: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver failure and death are a risk when <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is given to people with POLG-related <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mitochondrial<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disease. POLG screening is required before treatment can begin.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fetal risk: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause serious <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth defects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It should not be used in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pregnant women<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to treat migraines. It should only be used as a last resort to treat epilepsy in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pregnant women<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pancreatitis<\/b><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause rapidly-progressing and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">life-threatening<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreatitis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"cautions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cautions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some pre-existing medical conditions can make <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> riskier. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Suspected <\/b><b>mitochondrial<\/b><b> disease: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is contraindicated in people with POLG-related <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mitochondrial<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disease because of the risk of liver failure. It is prescribed cautiously in people who are suspected of having <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mitochondrial<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disease or those with a family history of POLG-related <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mitochondrial<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Severe kidney disease: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with severe kidney disease or kidney failure are at a higher risk of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>History of <\/b><b>liver disease<\/b><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because it can affect the liver, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is contraindicated in people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It can be given to people who have had <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the past, but only with extra monitoring.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bleeding: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can worsen bleeding problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bone marrow suppression: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause blood insufficiencies, such as low blood cell counts or low <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">platelet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> counts, so it can worsen blood disorders due to bone marrow suppression.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Depression: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people get suicidal when taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so it is used cautiously in people with depression or a history of depression.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Head injury: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased risk<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of death, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is avoided as a treatment for seizures due to head trauma.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>HIV or CMV infections: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can stimulate the growth of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">human immunodeficiency virus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (HIV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, but it\u2019s uncertain how this affects people taking antiviral medications.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"abuse-and-dependence\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug abuse and physical dependence are not associated with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"withdrawal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sudden discontinuation of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can lead to an increase in seizures. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary to stop immediately, the drug will be discontinued using a tapering dose in people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seizure disorders<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"overdose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call a poison control center or get emergency medical treatment if too much <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is taken. An overdose can be fatal or cause serious problems like sleepiness, low sodium, heart block, and coma. The maximum dosage depends on age, weight, and the condition being treated. However, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dosages are usually individualized, so consider the prescribed daily dose to be the maximum allowable dose and do not take more doses than prescribed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"valproic-acid-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of potentially hazardous <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drug interactions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, certain drugs may require dose or treatment adjustments when combined with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs reduce the effectiveness of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid. These<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs increase the incidence and severity of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects. These<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can worsen the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of other drugs, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the immune suppressant <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methotrexate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can harm the liver, so the combination of these two medications is avoided or carefully monitored. Combining <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with another <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seizure medication,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topiramate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, increases the risk of elevated ammonia levels and hypothermia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol and cannabinoids (THC or CBD) should be avoided when taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-valproic-acid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a risk when taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but a few suggestions might help keep them at bay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-share-a-complete-medical-history-with-the-prescriber\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Share a complete medical history with the prescriber<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid problems, it is very important that the prescriber has a complete idea of medical problems or issues you might have. Make sure the prescribing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider especially knows about:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inherited <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mitochondrial<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inherited disorders that cause high ammonia levels in the blood<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression or a history of suicide<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HIV or CMV infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> being taken<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy or pregnancy plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breastfeeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> plans<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"2-take-valproic-acid-as-instructed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as instructed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider\u2019s instructions when taking this medicine. Do not take larger doses than prescribed. Do not take doses <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more often than prescribed<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-keep-all-follow-up-visits\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Keep all follow-up visits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t skip or delay follow-up appointments. Spotting potentially <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will require regular blood tests. Make sure to record all <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and share that list with the prescriber during follow-up visits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-avoid-alcohol-and-any-drugs-that-cause-sleepiness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Avoid alcohol and any drugs that cause sleepiness<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol and drugs that cause <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drowsiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will worsen <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drowsiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other depressant <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-avoid-driving-or-other-risky-activities\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Avoid driving or other risky activities<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drowsiness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other mental impairments. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or other risky activities for a while until certain that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not causing hazardous impairment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects-of-valproic-acid\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of valproic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has many potentially <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Here are the ones of which every person taking the medicine needs to be aware:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"liver-problems\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> frequently disrupts the liver and can do damage. Regular blood tests should spot problems early, but sometimes the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver damage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can evolve quickly. Get immediate medical help at any of the following signs of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver problems<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upper <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dark urine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellowing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the skin or eyes (jaundice)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"swollen-pancreas\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreas<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreatitis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) is a particularly hazardous <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effect of valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It can start early and progress rapidly into a fatal condition. Immediately get medical help if any of the signs of swollen <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are experienced, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upper <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oily stools that smell bad<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unexplained weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"blood-disorders\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood disorders<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood cell counts will require medical attention. They can\u2019t be seen, but they can be spotted by the symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual or prolonged bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent bruising<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin discoloration, like spots or a rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nosebleeds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pale skin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"low-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low sodium<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If sodium gets too low, symptoms will occur, such as headache, weakness, coordination problems, confusion, seizures, or coma. Get immediate medical care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"drug-reactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug reactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause severe drug reactions that affect the skin or even vital organs. They can be fatal if medical intervention comes too late. The drug must be stopped and immediate medical attention should be sought if any of the following symptoms are experienced:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin turning purple<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin blisters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin peeling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sores in the mouth or around the eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burning, painful eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the face<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facial redness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged lymph nodes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of liver injury<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"sources\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/j.1540-8159.2011.03276.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiac arrhythmias and sudden unexpected death in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">epilepsy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC181204\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Divalproex<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sodium versus <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in hospital treatment of psychotic disorders<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2753432\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effects of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on body weight, food intake, physical activity and hormones: Results of a randomized controlled trial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journal of Psychopharmacology<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1059131119300500\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic-acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> related alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizure<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1528-1157.1996.tb00536.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ictal bradycardia syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Epilepsia<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/23470-urea-cycle-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urea cycle disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Cleveland Clinic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK548284\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, LiverTox<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501274\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Drugs and Lactation Database<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/30301\/valproic-acid\/Adult-Dosing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Epocrates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5673387\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a cause of transient atrio-ventricular conduction block episodes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journal of Atrial Fibrillation<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=dcce9cbd-ab6d-4ddf-b638-74e336ebc3d8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> capsule prescribing information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Depakene-valproic-acid-979.5705\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drug summary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Prescriber\u2019s Digital Reference<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20880119\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> following treatment with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valproic acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical implications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obesity 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Valproic acid side effects and how to avoid them in 2025 Valproic acid side effects include liver damage, weight changes, hair loss, and bradycardia Key takeaways Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer but can cause serious side effects like liver damage, weight changes, hair loss, and bradycardia. Common [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4988","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health-news"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4988","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4988"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4988\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5006,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4988\/revisions\/5006"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4988"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}