Valproic Acid

Migraine, Acute Coryza, Behcet Syndrome + 4 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Valproic Acid

What is Valproic Acid

Valproic acid

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Valproic acid, also known as valproate, is a type of fatty acid derivative that is used to prevent seizures. It was first developed in 1881, but wasn’t discovered to have anti-seizure properties until 1963. In 1978, it was approved by the FDA under the brand name Depakene. Valproic acid is also used to treat mania, migraine, and has anti-cancer effects. It is currently being studied in many clinical trials for different types of cancer.

Depakene

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Valproic Acid Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Depakene

Valproic acid

1978

481

Effectiveness

How Valproic Acid Affects Patients

Valproate is used to help treat complex partial seizures and migraines. It is thought to work by calming the brain and preventing damage. Valproate is known to be harmful to the liver and can cause birth defects, though the reasons for this are unclear. Additionally, there is evidence that it could reactivate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) when combined with other treatments, though a larger study did not find any significant effect. The FDA label for valproate contains a warning about this risk.

How Valproic Acid works in the body

Valproate works in a few different ways to treat epilepsy, migraine headaches, and bipolar disorder. It increases the amount of an inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain, which helps reduce nerve firing. Valproate also impacts some proteins that help regulate cell growth and death. It also reduces the production of inflammatory molecules, which can help reduce headaches. Finally, it can turn on certain genes to help protect the brain from damage.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Valproic Acid is dependent upon the diagnosed condition, including Seizures, Seizure, Absence and Complex Partial Seizures. The extent of dosage fluctuates in accordance with the mode of delivery (e.g. Injection, solution - Intravenous or Capsule, delayed release) outlined in the table underneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Mental Depression

, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Syrup

Seizures

, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Syrup

Seizures

, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Syrup

Migraine

, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Syrup

Acute Coryza

, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Syrup

Behcet Syndrome

, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Syrup

Epilepsy

, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Syrup

Warnings

Valproic Acid has five contraindications, so its utilization should be avoided when suffering from any of the following conditions listed in the table.

Valproic Acid Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Mitochondrial Diseases

Do Not Combine

Liver Failure

Do Not Combine

Disease

Do Not Combine

Liver Diseases

Do Not Combine

Enzymes

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Valproic Acid.

Common Valproic Acid Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.

Alectinib

Major

The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.

Aminophylline

Major

The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.

Amiodarone

Major

The metabolism of Amiodarone can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.

Valproic Acid Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of Valproate in mice is 1098mg/kg and 670mg/kg in rats. Symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, coma and high sodium levels in the blood. In some cases, death has been reported, but people have also recovered with blood concentrations of Valproate as high as 2120mcg/mL. Dialysis can be used to remove the unbound fraction of the drug from the bloodstream and naloxone can reverse the effects of the overdose, but it may also stop the anti-epileptic effects.Pregnant women taking

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Valproic Acid Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Valproic Acid?

65 active studies are currently in progress to evaluate the potential of Valproic Acid for alleviating Migraine, Complex Partial Seizures and Acute Coryza.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Migraine

47 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1

Seizures

0 Actively Recruiting

Seizures

0 Actively Recruiting

Acute Coryza

0 Actively Recruiting

Behcet Syndrome

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Epilepsy

0 Actively Recruiting

Mental Depression

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable

Valproic Acid Reviews: What are patients saying about Valproic Acid?

5

Patient Review

3/20/2014

Valproic Acid for Bipolar Depression

This drug has been effective for me, except that I've experienced some weight gain and heartburn. My doctor says that the former is a side-effect of the Remeron, but I suspect it may be from the Valproic Acid as well.

5

Patient Review

10/5/2013

Valproic Acid for Epileptic Seizure

For the past four months, I've been using this to manage my chronic migraines. Before, I was having them every single day; now, I only get one maybe two headaches a month. This stuff is amazing and has completely changed my quality of life.

5

Patient Review

6/28/2013

Valproic Acid for Migraine Prevention

I've been giving my son this medication for three months now and I'm really not happy with it. He's experienced personality changes, rashes, and seemed depressed. That said, it has helped to control his outbursts somewhat.

5

Patient Review

10/7/2012

Valproic Acid for Bipolar Depression

My 4 year old daughter was prescribed this medication and it did help to stop her seizures. However, we noticed some terrible side effects like hair loss and mood swings, so we're in the process of weaning her off of it now.

4.3

Patient Review

10/2/2012

Valproic Acid for Petit Mal Seizures

My husband has been on this medication for a couple months now and, unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be helping. If anything, I'd say it's made things worse. He had a major panic attack not long after starting the medicine which led to a suicide attempt.

4.3

Patient Review

4/8/2014

Valproic Acid for Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy

I've been on this medication for 15 years and it's generally been working well, but I'm starting to experience more side effects than usual. Might have to switch things up.

4.3

Patient Review

6/19/2014

Valproic Acid for Migraine Prevention

I take Valproic Acid three times a day and it's made me very drowsy. I'm currently trying to wean myself down to once per night to see if that has any effect.

4

Patient Review

11/20/2012

Valproic Acid for Bipolar I Disorder with Most Recent Episode Mixed

After years of struggling with depression, my new doctor put me on this medication. It started working almost immediately and I began to feel better than I had in years. I didn't even know that I was bipolar, but my new wife did and she wasn't afraid to speak up about it. She also deals with depression herself, so she knows what she's talking about.

4

Patient Review

4/13/2016

Valproic Acid for Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy

I used 2000mg of this treatment for about 7-8 years, starting when I was 15. Depression, mood swings, and slight bipolarism were common during that time. However, I learned to adapt and change accordingly. Now I'm free from the medication, and I feel normal. Although it was tough going through all of that, it motivated me even more to stay healthy and active.

3.7

Patient Review

4/14/2014

Valproic Acid for Epileptic Seizure

The side effects of this drug are bothersome, but the results are worth it.

3.7

Patient Review

12/14/2013

Valproic Acid for Epileptic Seizure

I've been prescribed valproic acid, but in smaller doses because it's incredibly painful to my stomach and diaphragm otherwise. I get heartburn and acid reflux frequently, for which I take Nexium and Zantac, but they don't seem to be helping much.

3.7

Patient Review

12/24/2014

Valproic Acid for Bipolar Depression

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and put on this medication. I noticed an obvious weight gain; however, it helped to control my manic state. Now that I'm off of the medication, I'm having difficulty losing the weight again.

3.7

Patient Review

2/9/2017

Valproic Acid for Epileptic Seizure

Seizures have stopped since I've been taking this medication at the maximum dosage for adults. However, I have experienced some hair loss and weight gain since beginning treatment 28 years ago.

3.3

Patient Review

1/6/2013

Valproic Acid for Epileptic Seizure

I didn't notice any effects at first, but after about a month I started to feel better.

3

Patient Review

8/30/2012

Valproic Acid for Epileptic Seizure

2.7

Patient Review

5/5/2013

Valproic Acid for Migraine Prevention

I really don't enjoy being sick, and I hope to never have to experience this again.

2.7

Patient Review

8/14/2012

Valproic Acid for Mania associated with Bipolar Disorder

2.3

Patient Review

5/14/2015

Valproic Acid for Bipolar Depression

I was prescribed this medication, alongside Cipralex (escitalopram), by my psychiatrist for depression. I have since stopped taking both but while I was on them, I felt very uncomfortable. I was also more mentally unstable; aggressive and lethargic. While escitalopram isn't listed as one of the drugs it can react with, I would still say to be careful with it. At the time I was under 18, approximately 130lbs, and 5'2".

2

Patient Review

7/16/2014

Valproic Acid for Bipolar Depression

It's not bad.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about valproic acid

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What are the long term side effects of valproic acid?

"While there is no evidence that valproic acid will cause gradual damage to the liver, there is a very rare disorder of the pancreas that can be caused by valproic acid. This disorder is occasionally so severe that it can cause bleeding and death."

Answered by AI

Why is valproic acid a hazardous drug?

"Valproic acid can Cause serious birth defects, especially affecting the brain and spinal cord, as well as lower intelligence, problems with movement and coordination, learning, communication, emotions, and behavior in babies exposed to valproic acid before birth."

Answered by AI

What is valproic acid used for?

"Valproic acid is a prescription drug used to treat bipolar disorder, prevent migraines, and treat epilepsy. It comes in the form of capsules or tablets."

Answered by AI

Is valproic acid same as Depakote?

"Valproate products are medications that are used to treat seizures. These products are very similar to each other and should not be switched without a healthcare provider's permission."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Valproic Acid

Image of Arizona State University in Phoenix, United States.

App-based Breathing Program for Migraine

18+
All Sexes
Phoenix, AZ

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders, characterized by recurrent headaches, sensitivity to light and movement, nausea, and autonomic dysregulation. Although mind-body interventions like biofeedback have shown their efficacy, they remain underutilized due to barriers such as transportation, time constraints, lack of awareness, stigma, and cost. A targeted approach to enhancing HRV is HRV biofeedback (HRVB), a technique using visual or auditory feedback to help people regulate HRV through slow-paced breathing and positive emotional regulation to promote ANS balance and emotional resilience. Investigators will conduct a remotely delivered pilot RCT of an 8-week, 10 min/day, novel app-based HRVB intervention compared to a sham control intervention (matching intervention time and attention with no biofeedback component) in adult with chronic migraine. Investigators hypothesize data collected from the study will: a) support the feasibility and acceptability of the remotely delivered app-based HRVB intervention among adults with chronic migraine, and b) provide insights into refining the intervention by examining patterns of change in migraine and psychological outcomes from pre- to post-intervention.

Waitlist Available
Online Trial

Arizona State University

Image of Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, United States.

Embolization for Migraine

18 - 80
All Sexes
Baltimore, MD

This study is to test the safety and feasibility of a procedure called embolization of the middle meningeal arteries (MMA), using a product called Onyx. Embolization creates a plug in the arteries. MMA embolization with Onyx is not approved for use in patients with migraines, but is currently used in patients with subdural hematomas. The FDA is allowing the use of Onyx in this study. It is thought that by using Onyx to block the middle meningeal arteries, the amount of migraine-causing substances which are released into the brain's bloodstream will be reduced. The company that manufactures Onyx, Medtronic, is providing the supplies for this study. Participants will be in the study for about 8 months after enrolling, including 6 months of follow up after the procedure. The participants will be asked to complete a daily headache diary and continue the participant's regular migraine medications. Participants will also have several clinic visits and be asked to provide blood samples for research.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Risheng Xu, MD, PhD

Medtronic

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Visual Adaptation for Visual Snow

18 - 60
All Sexes
Minneapolis, MN

The goal of this study is to learn more about the brain pathways and activity involved in creating Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does VSS arise from spontaneous activity in brain pathways? * Where in the brain does the activity contributing to VSS arise? * How does brain activity contribute to VSS? Participants will: 1. Undergo assessments and questionnaires to understand visual and mental symptoms, cognitive, and sensory function. 2. Make visual judgements based on images presented to them both inside and outside a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. 3. Undergo scanning of their brain while inside of an MRI machine.

Recruiting
Paid Trial

University of Minnesota

Michael-Paul Schallmo, Ph.D.

Image of HCA Florida north florida Hospital in Gainesville, United States.

Bupivacaine Injection for Headache

18+
All Sexes
Gainesville, FL

Headache is a frequent chief complaint among patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED), accounting for 2.1 million visits annually in the United States. Often, individuals resort to ED care only after over-the-counter or home remedies have failed, leading to the predominant use of intravenous (IV) medications in the ED, including NSAIDs, triptans, neuroleptics, antiepileptics, and dopaminergic antagonists. Unfortunately, these pharmacologic treatments frequently induce side effects such as cognitive impairment, extrapyramidal reactions, and the potential for medication dependency. In the ED, patients frequently require concurrent administration of multiple systemic medications to achieve satisfactory pain relief, thereby elevating the risk associated with medication use. Despite these medication regimens, a significant portion of patients continue to experience inadequate pain relief. Consequently, the search for an optimal headache therapy-characterized by rapid and effective pain relief, long lasting results, minimal side effects, and allows for rapid ED patient turnover-continues to be a popular area of research in emergency medicine. The investigators plan to evaluate the use of 0.5% bupivacaine cervical IM injection at the c6-7 location for the treatment of non traumatic headaches using a non-inferiority design, randomized, prospective, open-label, controlled trial comparing it to physicians choice of intravenous medications in treatment of headache in the Emergency Department at North Florida Hospital.

Phase 3
Waitlist Available

HCA Florida north florida Hospital

Robyn Hoelle, MD

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Cocoa Extract for Migraine

18+
All Sexes
Boston, MA

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the feasibility of recruitment and adherence to a high-dose cocoa extract supplement in individuals diagnosed with episodic migraine. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Will we be able to enroll 114 participants during the recruitment period? * Will participants take study pills daily during the pill-taking period? Researchers will compare two doses of cocoa extract to placebo to determine the acceptability of higher doses of cocoa extract supplementation in this patient population. Participants will be asked to: * Provide two urine samples * Complete daily questionnaires * Take four study pills a day for 12 weeks

Recruiting
Dietary Supplement

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Pamela M Rist, ScD

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