Sodium Valproate

—  MOA:

1.       Blocks voltage-sensitive sodium channels by an unknown mechanism

2.       Increases brain concentrations of gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) by an unknown mechanism

—  S/E:

1.       Sedation, tremor, dizziness, ataxia,

2.       headache ,Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,

3.       diarrhea, reduced appetite, constipation,

4.       dyspepsia, weight gain

5.       Alopecia (unusual)

6.       Polycystic ovaries

7.       Hepatotoxicity

—  Usual Dosage Range

1.       Mania: 1200 mg/day

2.       Migraine: 500 mg/day

3.       Epilepsy: 10–40 mg/kg/day

PREGNANCY CONTRAINDICATED