In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Valproic Acid, also known as Depakine. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:
• Mental Health Problems and Solutions
Generic name: Valproic Acid.
Brand names: Depakine and Valproate Sodium.
Available as a tablet, drink, drops, suppository and injection.
How to use it?
Tablet: make sure to swallow it whole with half a glass of water. Don’t chew on it, as this might decrease its effectivity.
Drink/Drops: measure the correct amount with the dosing syringe or measuring cup. Mix the dose with half a glass of water or lemonade and take it.
Suppository: insert the suppository into the anus. You can moisten the suppository with a little water. This makes inserting it a little easier.
Injection: your doctor or nurse will prepare and insert the injection.
When to use it?
Valproic Acid is part of a group of drugs called anti-epileptic drugs. However it can be used to treat several medical conditions, like:
Epilepsy
Bipolar disorder
Migraine
What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms.Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
Most commonly your doctor will slowly increase your dose, up to a maintenance dose. When treating epilepsy in adults a common maintenance dose is between 900-2500 mg per day. For manic episodes in bipolar disorder it is 1000-2000 mg per day and when treating migraine it is 300–500 mg 2×/dag
What are common the side-effects?
Very common (10%): tremor and nausea.
Common (1-10%): anemia, hypersensitivity, confusion, aggression, agitation, disturbance in attention, hallucinations, dizziness, somnolence, impaired memory, headache, deafness, haemorrhage, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, liver damage, nail abnormality, urinary incontinence and increased weight.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): blood count abnormalities, reversible Parkinson-like symptoms, reversible coma, sensory loss, inflammation of blood vessels, inflammation of the pancreas, rash, renal failure, edema and low temperature.
Rare (0.1%): other serious, partly reversible, adverse reactions.
Safety:
First of all be careful to combine Valproic Acid with alcohol. As this might increase it’s side effects.
In addition, it can be dangerous to drive while using this drug. As it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects than please do not drive.
Furthermore, Valproic Acid can have interactions with other drugs your are taking. always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Lastly, the usage of Valproic Acid can be dangerous when pregnant or when breastfeeding. However there are some exceptions where its usage could be continued. This should be discussed with your prescribing doctor.
Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -
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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2021). Valproïnezuur.
2: Apotheek.nl (2021). Valproïnezuur.
The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and videos in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.
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1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios, Rockville
4: Patrick Patrikios, Grut
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