Valproic acid

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Revision as of 22:52, 27 June 2008 by imported>Pierre-Alain Gouanvic (side effect: carnitine deficiency)
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Valproic acid is a medication that is "a fatty acid with anticonvulsant properties used in the treatment of epilepsy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic actions are not well understood. It may act by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the brain or by altering the properties of voltage dependent sodium channels."[1]

Side effects

Valproic acid causes carnitine deficiency. All patients under valproate therapy should have their carnitine status monitored. Since available tests are not reliable indicators of carnitine status in tissues, prophylactic carnitine therapy can be considered. Intravenous carnitine is markedly superior to oral; oral acetylcarnitine may be advantageously used as well, if the underlying disorder allows it.

External links

Valproic acid - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).


References

  1. ↑ Anonymous (2024), Valproic acid (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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