Valproic Acid Drug Information

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to valproic acid drug information including topics such as valproic acid withdrawal, precautions and warnings with valproic acid, and valproic acid dosing. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Valproic Acid Drug Information

Valproic acid is often prescribed to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. This eMedTV Web page further discusses this prescription drug, including information on its effects, dosing guidelines, possible side effects, and more.

When taking valproic acid, side effects can include vomiting, shakiness, and weakness. This eMedTV page also lists serious side effects of the drug that may require immediate medical attention (such as signs of pancreatitis).

Valproic acid may be used for the treatment of partial seizures or absence seizures in people with epilepsy. This eMedTV segment further discusses valproic acid uses, including possible off-label uses of the medication (such as treating hiccups).

As this eMedTV page explains, valproic acid dosing for complex partial seizures can vary from 10 mg to 15 mg per kg of body weight per day. This page also lists factors besides your weight that can affect your dose (like other drugs you're taking).

This eMedTV Web page explains how drug interactions with valproic acid can change the medication levels in the blood or increase the risk of side effects. Rifampin and warfarin are among the drugs that can potentially interact with valproic acid.

If you have a rash and fever while taking valproic acid, tell your doctor right away. This eMedTV article presents other precautions and warnings with valproic acid, such as possible drug interactions and the safety of taking the drug while pregnant.

Drowsiness and a coma are among the symptoms you may experience if you take an overdose of valproic acid. This eMedTV page lists other symptoms of a valproic acid overdose, as well as treatment options that are available (such as supportive care).

Abruptly stopping valproic acid can increase the risk of seizures in some people. This eMedTV resource provides more information about valproic acid withdrawal symptoms and what steps your doctor may take to help keep them from occurring.

This eMedTV page explains that studies on valproic acid and pregnancy showed that the drug raised the risk of problems such as birth defects. This page also explains that if you become pregnant while taking it, you should tell your doctor right away.

While valproic acid passes through breast milk, the risk of harm to the breastfed infant is probably low. This eMedTV page explores valproic acid and breastfeeding, explaining what to do if you are breastfeeding and your doctor prescribes the drug.