Valproic Acid

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.

 

What Is Valproic Acid?

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.
 
(Click What Is Valproic Acid Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

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. The medication may also prevent seizures by affecting sodium channels in the brain.
 

When and How to Take It

General considerations for when and how to take valproic acid include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule or oral syrup form. It is usually taken by mouth one to three times daily.
     
  • Valproic acid can be taken with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Do not crush or open the capsules. They should be swallowed whole in order to prevent throat and stomach irritation.
     
  • Valproic acid should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Valproic acid will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • Do not stop taking valproic acid without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Valproic Acid Withdrawal).
     

Dosing Information

The dose of valproic acid your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The type of seizures being treated
  • Your weight
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Valproic Acid Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Valproic Acid

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with valproic acid. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Drowsiness.
     
(Click Valproic Acid Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Valproic acid can potentially interact with many other medicines (see Drug Interactions With Valproic Acid).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking valproic acid if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
  • A urea cycle disorder
  • Mental retardation
  • A blood disorder
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Valproic Acid to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much valproic acid may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Heart block (a problem with the electrical system of the heart)
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Valproic Acid Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Valproic Acid Be Stored?

Valproic acid should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store capsules and syrup in airtight containers.
 
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your valproic acid as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you miss any of your doses, as this information may be helpful in adjusting your dosage.
 

Available Strengths

Valproic acid capsules are available in one strength -- valproic acid 250 mg. The syrup form contains 250 mg of valproic acid per 5 mL (250 mg per teaspoonful).
 

Is There a Generic Version of Valproic Acid?

Currently, both generic and brand-name versions of valproic acid are available (see Generic Depakene).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;