Sodium valproate information sheet

Sodium Valproate must be prescribed by a doctor. You should never give your child anyone else's medications.

Your doctor will check and make sure that other drugs your child is taking are compatible with Sodium Valproate. This is also important if you are giving your child herbal or complementary medicines. The doctor can check to make sure they are compatible.

There are special precautions to take if Lamotrigine is added.

Sodium Valproate is usually not used if your child has a metabolic problem known as Mitochondrial disease or is suspected of having this disorder.

Monitoring and Levels

Often your doctor will do blood tests prior to starting Sodium Valproate and may recheck them 6 to 8 weeks after starting. However frequent blood monitoring is not indicated unless there is a specific need. 

• If your child vomits within 30 minutes after having their dose, then repeat the dose.
• If it is longer than 30 minutes since having the dose you do not need to repeat the dose, but if vomiting or diarrhoea continues, seek medical help.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered.
• The next due dose should be taken at the usual time.
• However, if the missed dose is remembered in close proximity to the next due dose (i.e. within 3 to 4 hours of the next dose), please seek medical advice.
• If unsure about what to do, the treating GP, epilepsy nurse, paediatrician or neurologist should be contacted.

Store tablets in cool dry place below 30°C. Keep tablets in blister pack. Sourced from NPS MedicineWise

For Epilim IV, store below 30 degrees Celsius. Shelf lifetime is 3 Years. Sourced from Healthdirect

Below are some of the possible side effects your child may experience:

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Tummy pain
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Tiredness, sleepiness
• Tremor
• Easy bruising
• Bleeding
• Headache
• Hair loss - usually mild
• Low platelet counts
• Menstrual disturbances

Other possible side effects

• Rarely - serious liver dysfunction
• Rarely - inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Bedwetting
• Polycystic ovaries
• Decreased bone density – bone softening
• Deterioration in thinking or intellectual abilities, memory impairment and behavioural changes

Epilepsy and Pregnancy

Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. You must not use Sodium Valproate if you are pregnant, unless your doctor has determined that no alternative treatment works for you.

If you are a girl or woman of childbearing age, make sure that you talk to your doctor about the risks associated with taking Sodium Valproate during pregnancy. Your doctor will explain what might happen to your baby if you become pregnant whilst taking Sodium Valproate.

You must not take Sodium Valproate unless you use an effective method of birth control (contraception) at all times during your treatment with Sodium Valproate.

See more about pregnancy and contraception at Healthdirect

The information provided in this resource is limited and does not replace the need for a medical consultation. It is very important you speak to your doctor about all aspects of your medication including side effects when medication is first prescribed. Report any concerns to your doctor promptly.