What is the most important information I should know about valproic acid?
Do not use valproic acid to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.
If you take valproic acid for seizures or manic episodes: Do not start or stop taking the medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.
You should not use valproic acid if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (especially in a child younger than 2 years old).
Valproic acid can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder.
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What is valproic acid?
Valproic acid affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures.
Valproic acid is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Valproic acid is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.
Valproic acid is also used to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression), and to prevent migraine headaches.
Valproic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valproic acid?
You should not use valproic acid if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- liver disease;
- a urea cycle disorder; or
- a genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, especially in a child younger than 2 years old.
Valproic acid can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder.
To make sure valproic acid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder;
- a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
- a family history of a urea cycle disorder or infant deaths with unknown cause; or
- HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking valproic acid. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Do not use valproic acid to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.
If you take valproic acid for seizures or manic episodes: This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects, and may affect cognitive ability (reasoning, intelligence, problem-solving) later in the child's life. However, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Do not start or stop taking valproic acid during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.
Use effective birth control while using valproic acid, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using hormonal contraception that contains estrogen (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings). Estrogen can interact with valproic acid and make it less effective in preventing seizures.
Seizure control is very important during pregnancy. The benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by taking valproic acid. There may be other seizure medications that can be more safely used during pregnancy. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking valproic acid while you are pregnant.
Valproic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take valproic acid?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medication. Your dose may need to be changed if you do not get enough fluids each day.
Take with food if this medicine upsets your stomach.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open a delayed-release capsule. Swallow it whole.
While using valproic acid, you may need frequent blood tests.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take valproic acid. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using valproic acid.
Do not stop using valproic acid suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause a serious, life-threatening type of seizure. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking valproic acid?
Drinking alcohol may increase certain side effects of valproic acid.
Valproic acid may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Valproic acid can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
What are the possible side effects of valproic acid?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fever, swollen glands, mouth sores, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other side effects:
- confusion, tiredness, cold feeling, vomiting, change in your mental state;
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, or gums), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
- severe drowsiness;
- worsening seizures;
-
signs of inflammation in your body --swollen glands, flu symptoms, severe tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, chest pain, new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing; or
-
severe skin reaction --fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea;
- fever, flu symptoms, cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose;
- nervousness, depression, sleep problems (insomnia);
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness, memory problems, unusual thoughts;
- rash, hair loss, bruising;
- weakness, tremors, problems with balance or walking;
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- vision problems, ringing in your ears; or
- changes in appetite, weight gain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect valproic acid?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can raise or lower your blood levels of valproic acid, which may cause side effects or make valproic acid less effective. Valproic acid can also affect blood levels of certain other drugs, making them less effective or increasing side effects.
Many drugs can interact with valproic acid. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about valproic acid.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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