Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic drug. It is prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs to treat all forms of epilepsy, particularly grand-mal, or tonic-clonic, seizures.
Brain cells use electricity to communicate with each other. Sometimes these cells can trigger unintentionally, sending an abnormal signal to other cells in the brain. When this 'short circuit' takes place a seizure is the result. Valproic acid works by depressing activity in certain parts of the brain and controls the irregular firing of neuronsThe basic nerve cell of the body's nervous system. A neuron contains a nucleus within a cell body. They are classified according to direction in which they conduct impulses, and the number of processes they extend.
Sensory neurons transmit impulses to the spinal cord and brain. Motor neurons transmit impulses from the brain to the muscles and glandular tissue.
Neurons work according to electrochemical processes involving positively charged sodium and potassium ions and the changing electrical environment of the intracellular and extracellular fluid of the neuron itself.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. that cause seizures.
You will need to discuss with your doctor whether taking valproic acid during pregnancy is recommended. Use of valproic acid early in pregnancy is associated with spina bifidaA relatively common birth defect in which the spine fails to form properly leaving the spinal cord exposed. Spina bifida can result in mental disability and partial paralysis. Also called spinal dysraphia.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. and may increase the risk of birth defects. But stopping the medication if you have a severe seizure disorder may not be advised. Uncontrolled seizures during pregnancy may provide a greater harm to the growing fetus.
Common brand names
Common side effects
Medications such as valproic acid provide the greatest harm to the fetus during the first three months of pregnancy, the time during which the internal organs are being formed. Your doctor may be able to adjust the dosage of valproic acid before you get pregnant to minimize the risk to your baby. Folate supplementation is recommended starting one to two months before conception and continuing through your pregnancy.
Low levels of valproic acid pass into the breast milk. The manufacturer recommends that women who are breastfeeding use the drug with caution. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers the use of valproic acid and breastfeeding compatible in most cases. But do not use this drug while breastfeeding your baby without consulting your doctor first.
There are no known food interactions.
Consuming alcohol while using valproic acid may lead to excessive drowsiness.
Consult your doctor before taking this drug if you have a history of any of the following:
Diabetics should also understand that the use of valproic acid may result in a false positive urine ketone test.
Consult your doctor before taking valproic acid if you are taking any of the following anticonvulsants:
Or any of the following drugs, medications or supplements:
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