Valproate Flashcards

1
Q

What is it indicated for?

A

Epilepsy for seizure prevention
Bipolar disorder
Migraine attacks

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2
Q

How does it work?

A

It increases activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase increasing GABA production, reducing seizure discharges and propagation

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3
Q

What are the side effects of these drugs?

A

Tremor
Ataxia
Behavioural disturbances
Increase liver enzymes
Thrombocytopenia
Hair loss
Abdominal upset

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4
Q

What are the life-threatening side effects of the drugs?

A

Rare, life-threatening, idiosyncratic adverse effects include
severe liver injury
pancreatitis
bone marrow failure
antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome

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5
Q

What are the warnings of these drugs?

A

Unless no other alternative avoid use in girls and women who could become pregnant

Avoid around conception and first trimester of pregnancy

Avoid in hepatic or severe renal impairment

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6
Q

What interactions with other drugs can occur?

A

It inhibits liver enzymes affecting drugs metabolised by CYP enzymes

It is also affected by CYP inducers and inhibitors

Reduced efficacy with drugs that lower seizure threshold like tramadol and antipsychotics

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