sodium valproate + valproic acid at a glance
Medicine class
Anticonvulsant that enhances inhibitory GABA activity.
Licensed role
Treatment of generalised, focal and other epilepsies.
Important safety rule
Do not stop valproate without specialist advice, including because of pregnancy concerns.
What is sodium valproate + valproic acid used for?
The selected prolonged-release products are licensed for epilepsy. Use is restricted for people under 55 because of reproductive risks.
Generalised epilepsy.
Focal epilepsy.
Other forms of epilepsy where valproate is clinically appropriate.
How does sodium valproate + valproic acid work?
Valproate mainly strengthens GABA, a chemical messenger that reduces nerve signalling. This helps suppress the abnormal electrical activity that produces seizures.
How to take sodium valproate + valproic acid
Follow instructions for the exact prescribed product and take it consistently in relation to food. Do not change formulation or brand without checking with a prescriber or pharmacist.
Swallow prolonged-release tablets whole; do not crush or chew them.
Chronosphere granules may be taken directly or mixed with a small amount of cold or room-temperature soft food or drink.
Swallow mixtures immediately without chewing; do not store them or add them to hot food or drink.
Taking valproate with or after food may reduce stomach discomfort.
sodium valproate + valproic acid side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort or diarrhoea.
- Tremor, headache, tiredness or sleepiness.
- Weight gain or increased appetite.
- Hair thinning or changes in hair texture or colour.
- Irregular or delayed periods.
Get urgent medical advice
- Liver injury, including jaundice, dark urine, profound tiredness, loss of appetite or repeated vomiting.
- Pancreatitis: severe or persistent abdominal pain, often with nausea or vomiting.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Marked confusion, reduced consciousness, worsening seizures or loss of coordination.
- Serious allergic or skin reaction, including facial swelling, breathing difficulty, blistering or peeling rash.
- New thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
sodium valproate + valproic acid in pregnancy
Valproate exposure in pregnancy carries a high risk of congenital malformations and lasting developmental problems. It must not be used by someone who could become pregnant unless strict Pregnancy Prevention Programme conditions are fulfilled and specialists agree no effective or tolerated alternative exists. If planning pregnancy, if a period is late, or if pregnancy is possible, contact a GP or specialist promptly but do not stop valproate without specialist advice.
sodium valproate + valproic acid while breastfeeding
Valproate passes into breast milk in small amounts and can sometimes be used cautiously while breastfeeding a full-term, healthy infant after individual assessment. Monitor for unusual drowsiness, poor feeding or weight gain, jaundice, easy bruising or bleeding.
sodium valproate + valproic acid interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Carbapenem antibiotics, including meropenem and imipenem
Can rapidly and substantially lower valproate concentrations, causing loss of seizure control.
Lamotrigine
Valproate increases the risk of lamotrigine toxicity, particularly serious skin reactions.
Warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants
May increase anticoagulant effects.
Common questions about sodium valproate + valproic acid
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can I switch between Dyzantil, Epilim Chrono and Chronosphere myself?
No. They have different physical presentations and release characteristics, so changes should be arranged by a prescriber or pharmacist.
Why can I see part of a tablet or granule in my stool?
The inactive prolonged-release matrix may pass through the gut after the active valproate has been released.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.