Valproic Acid In Epilepsy: Clinical And Adverse Effects

Abstract

The antiepileptic drug sodium valproate was studied in 19 epileptic patients with uncontrolled seizures of a generalized or partial type. Two-thirds of the patients experienced a reduction in seizure fre uency ranging from 33 to 100%. Adverse effects occurred in 7 (37%) patients and in 4 (21%) the drug had to be discontinued. The most serious adverse effects were platelet reduction and weight gain. Minor adverse effects (e.g. nausea, hair loss, SGOT elevation, ALKOP4 elevation) were always transient.