Sodium Valproate

Question 1

indications of sodium valproate

Answer 1

1st line for GTCS and absence

Bipolar disorder

Question 2

Mechanism of action of sodium valproate

Answer 2

incompletely understood
weak inhibitor of sodium channels
increases GABA in brain

Question 3

Side-effects of sodium valproate

Answer 3

most common is GI upset (N/D)
Tremor
ataxia
behavioural
liver

Question 4

Warnings of sodium valproate

Answer 4

F of reproductive age
1st trimester of pregnancy
great risk of fetal abnormalities
hepatic/renal impairment

Question 5

Interactions of sodium valproate

Answer 5

It is a Cytochrome P450 inhibitor thus increases plasma concentration and toxicity of drugs metabolised by p450
cytochrome p450 inducers reduce sodium valproate concentration thus increases risks of seizures