Valproic Acid
Valproic Acid Information

About Valproic Acid

Valproic acid is a chemical compound and clinically used as an anticonvulsant, epilepsy, bipolar disorders and mood-stabilizing drug by increasing brain concentration of GABA. Its anticonvulsant properties discovered by Pierre Eymard serendipitously when he use it as a vehicle for the number of compounds. Valproic acid is also an inhibitor of enzyme histone deacetylase 1. This enzyme is needed for HIV to remain in infected cells. thus use for the treatment of HIV and AIDS.

Indications

Valproic Acid is primarily indicated in conditions like Bipolar disorders, Epilepsy, Seizures, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Migraine, Schizophrenia, Status epilepticus.

Contraindication

Valproic Acid is contraindicated in conditions like Bone marrow depression,Coagulation disorder.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Valproic Acid, which give rise to further complications include Hepatotoxicity, Hepatitis, Tremors.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Valproic Acid are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Fatigue, Nausea, Dyspepsia, Weight gain, Hair loss.

Warnings

Alcohol can potentiate to the drowsiness caused by this medication.Patients should be warned of weight gain and appropriate strategies adopted to minimise the effect.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and patients suffering from Liver Malfunction.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.