What are the most serious side effects of Valproic Acid?

Valproic Acid, also known as Valproate or Divalproex sodium, is a medication commonly used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and to prevent migraines. Among the serious side effects associated with this medication, liver failure and pancreatitis are particularly notable.

Liver failure can occur because Valproic Acid is metabolized in the liver, and in some individuals, it can lead to serious hepatotoxicity, which may manifest as jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, or changes in liver function. This side effect is especially concerning in children and those with pre-existing liver conditions.

Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, is another significant risk tied to Valproic Acid use. It can present with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and may require hospitalization. The risk of these serious side effects necessitates monitoring liver function and being vigilant about signs of pancreatitis during treatment.

While drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, insomnia, weight gain, and tremors are potential side effects of Valproic Acid, they are generally considered less severe. Drowsiness and fatigue, for instance, are common with many medications and typically do not pose an immediate threat to life or function like liver failure and pancreatitis do. Therefore