Is valproic acid safe for children?
Valproic acid can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder.
Why does valproic acid cause weight gain?
In vitro studies suggest that VPA initiates pancreatic insulin secretion that might increase appetite and energy storage and result in weight gain (Luef, et al., 2003). Indeed, VPA treatment has been found to increase post-prandial insulin and proinsulin levels (Luef, et al., 2002).
What is the safest seizure medication for children?
Anticonvulsant medications
- Phenobarbital. Phenobarbital is one of the oldest and safest anticonvulsants for children.
- Valproic Acid (Depakene, Depakote) Valproic acid (Depakene or Depakote) is effective in treating many childhood seizure disorders.
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Carbamazepine.
- Felbamate.
- Lamotrigine.
- Topiramate.
Does valproic acid make you sleepy?
Valproic acid may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Does valproic acid help with depression?
Valproic acid may be particularly helpful for patients who have symptoms of mania and depression occurring at the same time (a ‘mixed’ episode) or who have more than four mood episodes per year (this is called ‘rapid cycling’). This medication may also specifically target aggressive or impulsive behavioural problems.
How much valproic acid is in PMS 250?
Each oblong, orange, soft gelatin capsule, identified “pms 250” in black, contains 250 mg of valproic acid. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn oil, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, glycerin, and titanium dioxide. Each oblong, yellow, soft gelatin, enteric-coated capsule contains 500 mg of valproic acid.
How much valproic acid is in cherry syrup?
Each 5 mL of reddish-pink, cherry-flavoured syrup contains the equivalent of 250 mg of valproic acid, as the sodium salt.
What is the role of valproic acid in the body?
(NCI04) Valproic acid is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid that comprises of a propyl substituent on a pentanoic acid stem. It has a role as an anticonvulsant, a GABA agent, an EC 3.5.1.98 (histone deacetylase) inhibitor, a teratogenic agent, a psychotropic drug, a neuroprotective agent and an antimanic drug.
Are there any side effects to taking valproic acid?
The common side effects of valproic acid include: 1 nausea 2 headache 3 sleepiness 4 vomiting 5 weakness 6 tremor 7 dizziness 8 stomach pain 9 blurry vision 10 double vision