Sodium Valproate
Tablet or syrup
Quick Summary
Valproate calms abnormal brain activity and stabilises mood.
Medical Uses
How it's taken
Take with food at the same times each day.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Sometimes.
Weight gain
Common.
Hair thinning
Sometimes.
Interactions
Other epilepsy medicines
Change levels.
Some antibiotics
Lower levels.
Critical Warnings
Pregnancy
Black Box Warning: Can seriously harm an unborn baby. Women who could get pregnant need specialist advice and effective contraception.
Liver and pancreas problems
Report vomiting, tummy pain or jaundice.
Don't stop suddenly
Can cause seizures.
Thoughts of self-harm
Black Box Warning: Get help immediately: call 112 or Tele-MANAS (14416).
Drowsiness
Don't drive or use machines if it makes you sleepy, and avoid alcohol.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Valproic Acid: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Sodium valproate: medicine used for epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraine(opens in a new tab) · NHS