Medicine & USMLE

Valproic Acid (Old)

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Antiseizure Drugs
  1. Ethosuximide
  2. Gabapentinoids
  3. Levetiracetam
  4. Valproic Acid
  5. Phenytoin
  6. Carbamazepine
  7. Oxcarbazepine
  8. Topiramate
  9. Lamotrigine
  10. Phenytoin (Old)
  11. Carbamazepine (Old)
  12. Levetiracetam (Old)
  13. Valproic Acid (Old)

Summary

Valproic acid, also called valproate, is an antiepileptic used to treat both seizures and bipolar disease. Valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity, so monitor the patient’s liver enzymes. It is also teratogenic and should not be given to pregnant women.

Key Points

  • Valproic Acid / Valproate (Depakote)
    • Mechanism
      • Anticonvulsant/antiseizure
    • Clinical Use
      • Seizures
        • Tonic-clonic, absence, and partial seizures
      • Bipolar Disorder
        • Mood stabilizing effect
    • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
      • Teratogenic
        • Can cause fetal birth defects (cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, etc.)
      • Hepatotoxicity
        • Monitor liver enzymes
      • Pancreatitis
        • Notify provider with symptoms of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

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