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 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What does Valproic acid look like?

Valproic Acid 250 mg-SID
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valproic acid?
In rare cases, valproic acid has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children
younger than 2 years old. Children of this age may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use
more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease
causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or
a brain injury or infection).
Valproic acid has also caused rare cases of life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the
pancreas). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and symptoms may start even after you have been taking
valproic acid for several years. Do not take valproic acid if you have liver disease or a urea cycle
disorder.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely use this medication:
-
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
-
a history of head injury, brain disorder, or coma;
-
a family history of a urea cycle disorder;
-
a family history of infant deaths with unknown cause; or
-
HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your
doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of
treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not
use valproic acid without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become
pregnant during treatment.
Valproic acid can cause birth defects.
Use an effective
form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Valproic acid passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. Do not take valproic
acid without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take valproic acid?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. 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.
Measure the liquid form of valproic acid with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can
get one.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be
tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Do not stop taking valproic acid without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
You may have increased seizures if you stop taking valproic acid suddenly. You will need to use less
and less before you stop the medication completely.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or break a capsule because the medicine
may irritate your mouth or throat when you swallow it.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking valproic acid,
in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should
know that you are taking a seizure medication.
Store valproic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of valproic acid?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about valproic acid?
Your pharmacist has information about valproic acid written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of valproic acid?
Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting,
stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of
the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may
also be early signs of pancreatitis.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or
behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or
physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
unexplained weakness with vomiting and confusion or fainting;
-
easy bruising or bleeding;
-
fever, chills, skin rash, swollen glands, flu symptoms;
-
urinating less than usual;
-
blood in your urine;
-
weakness, lack of coordination;
-
a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;
-
extreme drowsiness; or
-
double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild drowsiness;
-
diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
-
changes in your menstrual periods;
-
enlarged breasts;
-
tremor (shaking);
-
hair loss;
-
weight changes;
-
vision changes; or
-
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about valproic acid?
In rare cases, valproic acid has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children
younger than 2 years old. Children of this age may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use
more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease
causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or
a brain injury or infection).
Valproic acid has also caused rare cases of life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the
pancreas). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and symptoms may start even after you have been taking
valproic acid for several years.
Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting,
stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of
the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may
also be early signs of pancreatitis.
Valproic acid can cause birth defects.
Do not use this medication
without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an
effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to
check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or
behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or
physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
What should I avoid while taking valproic acid?
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of valproic acid.
Valproic acid can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful
if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Valproic acid
can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF
15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
What other drugs will affect valproic acid?
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and
medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by valproic acid. Tell your doctor if
you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medication.
Before taking valproic acid, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
topiramate (Topamax);
-
tolbutamide (Orinase);
-
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
-
aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol);
-
zidovudine (Retrovir);
-
clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo);
-
diazepam (Valium);
-
meropenem (Marum);
-
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater); or
-
ethosuximide (Zarontin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
valproic acid. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of valproic acid?