Valproic acid is an effective treatment option for bipolar disorder. Learn more about how valproic acid works, its potential side effects and what to do in case of overdose.
Valproic acidhas been used for many years and is widely accepted as an effective substance for themanagementof seizure disorders and bipolar disorder, as well as other mood and behavior disorders.
The term “valproic acid” is associated with three medications: valproic acid, divalproex sodium andvalproatesodium. These are all drug formulations that are chemical variations of valproic acid that are dosed according to their “valproic acid activity.” The term valproic acid is used to representall three medications.
Understanding how valproic acid works and what side effects it has on the body can be beneficial toward achieving treatment success for conditions likebipolar disorder.
What Is Valproic Acid?
Valproic acid isclassified asan anticonvulsant and amood stabilizer.Valproic acid usesincludethe treatment and management of seizure disorders, prevention of migraines and the management of bipolar disorder. This medication can be prescribed by itself or in combination with other medications. Althoughvalproic acid for epilepsyis the most well-known use of the medication, valproic acid has become widely accepted as effective in the management of bipolar disorder.
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Brand Names
Valproic acid can be bought under several different brand names.Valproic acid brand namesand related productsinclude:
- Depacon (Valproate sodium)
- Depakote(Divalproex sodium)
- Depakote ER (Divalproex sodium)
- Depakene (Valproic acid)
- Stavzor (Valproic acid)
Valproic acid products areavailable by prescriptionas capsules, extended-release tablets, delayed-release tablets, sprinkle capsules (capsules that contains small beads of medication that can be opened and sprinkled into certain foods) and liquids.
Background & History
Thehistory of valproic acidbegins when it was firstdiscoveredin 1882 by the chemist Beverly Burton; however, it was not until the1960sthat scientists and physicians realized that the substance could be used to reduce seizures in people with epilepsy. Prior to its use as a medication, valproic acid was used as a nonactive ingredient for chemical reactions. In the United States, valproic acid was approved for the treatment of epilepsy in 1983 and then for the management of bipolar disorder in 1995. Valproic acid products are still commonly prescribed and accepted as effective for the treatmentof epilepsy, bipolar disorder, migraines and other mood and behavior disorders.
Use in Treating Bipolar Disorder
Valproic acid iscurrently recommendedby the American Psychiatric Association as an option alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder. The recommended dosing ofvalproic acid in bipolardisorderdepends onthe specific product selected by the doctor, multiple patient factors, including a history of liver disease or bleeding abnormalities, and other medications that the person may be taking. The best starting dose is determined by a doctor based on the person’s body weight, and the dose isgradually increaseddepending on side effects and how the medication seems to be working for the person.
Even though valproic acid is one of the oldest medications available for the treatment of bipolar disorder, it continues to be a reliable treatment option because its levels in the blood can be monitored by blood work which shows if a person has been taking the medication as prescribed.
How Does Valproic Acid Work?
Valproic acid’s mechanism of actionis thought to be due to anincrease of gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA), which works to slow down certain processes in the brain. By increasing the amount of GABA in the brain, valproic acidreducesdisorganized or sporadic functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) that could contribute to increased seizure activity, bipolar disorder, migraines and other mood or behavior disorders. Thevalproic acid dosagethat a doctor prescribes is unique to each patient because everyone’s brain chemistry and body is different, which greatly affects how valproic acid will work.
Side Effects
It is common for a person to experience some minor side effects when beginning to take valproic acid; however, these typically resolve with time as the body adjusts, or with slight dosage changes. The most commonvalproic acid adverse effectsexperienced when starting valproic acid are stomach upset and fatigue.
When starting to take valproic acid, it is important for a person to contact their doctor if they begin to experience any side effects from the medication:Valproic acid side effectsinclude:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Weight changes
- Changes in appetite
- Back pain
- Mood swings
- Agitation
- Abnormal thinking
- Problems with coordination or walking
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Blurred or double vision
- Hair loss
- Ringing in the ears
Valproic acid can cause some more serious side effects that would require immediate medication attention and theseinclude:
- Tiny purple or red spots appearing on the skin
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Fever
- Rash
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat
- Swollen glands
- Peeling or blistering skin
- Confusion
- Extreme fatigue
- Vomiting
- Sudden drop in body temperature
- Swelling or weakness in the joints
When beginning a new medication, it is important to discuss any concerning side effects with a doctor. Also, when researching a new medication, an individual should talk to their doctor or pharmacist to determine whichvalproic acid warningsare most likely to be of concern to them based on their medical history or other medications they are taking.
Possible Interactions
Valproic acid can interact with other medications or supplements and skew some laboratory test results. It is important for individuals to keep a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking and to share this with health care professionals when starting a new medication, undergoing laboratory tests or receiving emergency treatment.
For diabetic patients, valproic acidcan affecturine tests for ketones, so it is important for diabetics to discuss this interaction with their doctors.
Valproic acid is known as anarrow therapeutic index drug, which means that there is a small difference between a dose or concentration that would be considered effective and a dose that could cause side effects. Because of this, doctors and pharmacists carefully consider any potentialvalproic acid interactionswith other medications or supplements that a person may be taking.
Taking Valproate While Pregnant
Valproic acid products carry a warning for the potential of causing serious birth defects when these medications are taken during pregnancy.
Possible birth defects from usingvalproic acid in pregnancyinclude:
- Poor development of the brain and spinal cord
- Problems with movement and coordination
- Problems with learning, emotions and communication
- Lower intelligence
It is essential for women who are pregnant or able to become pregnant to talk with their doctor about the risks associated withvalproate and pregnancy. There are other treatment options available that are safer and carry fewer risks during pregnancy. If the decision is made for a woman of childbearing age to use valproic acid, she must use effective birth control during valproic acid treatment. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking valproic acid, it is important that she contact her doctor immediately.
What to Do In Case of Overdose
Valproic acid overdosecan be dangerous. In the case of an overdose or a suspected overdose, it is best to call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a trained overdose professional. If the person collapses, has a seizure, can’t be awakened, or has trouble breathing, it is important to call 911 immediately.
Symptoms of valproic acid overdose mayinclude:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sleepiness
- Loss of consciousness for a period of time (coma)
Get More Information on Valproic Acid
If you or someone you know needs more information regarding valproic acid or the treatment of bipolar disorder, you can gather more information by:
- Speaking with a mental health professional or therapist
- Talking with a primary care doctor
- VisitingMedlinePlus: Valproic Acid
- VisitingHelpGuide: Bipolar Medication Guide
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