Valproic acid is a drug used to control certain types of seizures -- specifically, complex partial seizures and simple or complex absence seizures -- in people with epilepsy. The prescription medicine helps prevent the abnormal brain signals that lead to a seizure and may also prevent seizures by affecting sodium channels in the brain. Side effects of valproic acid include shakiness, nausea or vomiting, headaches, and weakness.
Valproic acid (
Depakene®) is a prescription medication used to control
seizures in people with
epilepsy. Specifically, the medication is approved to treat complex partial seizures and simple or complex absence seizures.
Valproic acid is made by Abbott Pharmaceuticals.
How Does Valproic Acid Work?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that occurs when there are recurring, brief changes in the electrical system of the brain. This change in brain activity can lead to a
seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms).
Valproic acid works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a natural brain chemical that stops or slows down other brain signals. Increasing GABA helps prevent the abnormal brain signals that lead to a seizure. It is also thought that valproic acid may also prevent seizures by affecting sodium channels in the brain.
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