Does valproate work immediately?

Sodium valproate may take several days to show an initial effect and in some cases may take from two to six weeks for maximum effect. Treatment is started with low doses and may be increased over a couple of weeks according to your child’s response.

How effective is valproic acid?

As a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug, valproic acid can be effective against many types of seizures common in children. It has been used for many years to treat children with absence seizures, for which it is just as effective as Zarontin (ethosuximide). These two drugs can be used in combination.

Is sodium valproate bad for you?

Many people can take sodium valproate safely for many months or years. However, there are potential side effects that can happen over a long time. Long-term treatment with sodium valproate can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia (increasing your risk of breaking a bone).

Is valproate a mood stabilizer?

Valproate is less effective at preventing the symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder from returning, but there are other medicines that can help with this. Valproate is a type of medicine called a mood stabiliser as it reduces feelings of excitability and over-activity and reduces mood swings.

Does valproate cause liver damage?

Multiple instances of fatal acute hepatic failure due to valproate have been published and valproate is regularly listed as a cause of drug induced acute liver failure. Liver histology is distinctive and reveals a microvesicular steatosis with central lobular necrosis, mild to moderate inflammation and cholestasis.

What happens when you stop taking valproic acid?

If you suddenly stop taking valproic acid, you may experience a severe, long-lasting and possibly life-threatening seizure. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Can valproic acid damage brain?

Valproic acid can cause serious birth defects (physical problems that are present at birth), especially affecting the brain and spinal cord and can also cause lower intelligence and problems with movement and coordination, learning, communication, emotions, and behavior in babies exposed to valproic acid before birth.

What does valproic acid do to the brain?

It’s not fully understood how this medicine works for treating bipolar disorder. However valproic acid is thought to reduce or prevent manic episodes by increasing the amount of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA blocks transmission across nerves in the brain and has a calming effect.

What is valproate used for and what does it treat?

What Is Valproate And What Does It Treat? Valproate is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), seizures (epilepsy), and migraine headaches.

How long does it take for sodium valproate to work?

Your dose will gradually increase over a few days or weeks. Valproic acid and semisodium valproate are similar to sodium valproate and work in the same way. However these medicines are used to treat different illnesses and doses will vary. The most common brand names of sodium valproate are Epilim, Episenta and Epival. 3.

Is it safe to take sodium valproate with other medications?

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you”re at risk of a drug interaction. Interaction with Disease Depression Sodium Valproate should be given with caution in the patients with depression and suicidal thoughts. Frequent monitoring of depression symptoms is necessary.

Is valproate useful as maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder?

As valproate is a drug that may be useful in treating the acute phase of bipolar disorder, in this review we wanted to answer the following question: Is valproate useful as maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder?