What Is Valproic Acid Good For?

Today there are many useful medications for those who suffer from brain disorders and one of them is valproic acid, also known as valproate. This antiepileptic drug has an action on the central nervous system that makes it useful for the treatment of various diseases such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, dementia and panic attacks, although it is currently also being used to prevent migraine.

This medicine can be found in different forms such as syrups, tablets and capsules. In addition, it is important to mention that depending on the country, valproic acid can be found under different trade names, however they all have the same components and fulfill the same function.

How does valproic acid work on the brain and what are its benefits?

Valproic acid contains various properties that make it a very beneficial drug for the treatment of some disorders, especially those related to the nervous system. Among the main benefits offered by this drug are the following:

Serves as a treatment for epilepsy

The seizure disorder of epilepsy is a disease related to the nervous system. It happens when there is an excessive discharge in the electrical activity of the brain, it is worth mentioning that this type of discharge usually occurs in a periodic and unpredictable way. For this reason, valproic acid can help those who suffer from this type of crisis, since thanks to the properties it contains, it serves to control seizures.

Stabilizes the mood

People with bipolar disorder begin to experience changes in their mood, which may be due to a genetic condition or an abnormality in brain functions. That is why valproic acid is recommended for these cases, since it has properties that help maintain people’s mood without any type of alterations.

Improves symptoms caused by dementia

Patients suffering from dementia tend to have symptoms of agitation, apathy, aggressiveness, and depression. However, this disorder can be treated with valproic acid, since this drug helps slow the progression of this disease, since it improves cognitive ability and restores nerve cells in the brain.

Control panic attacks

Thanks to the components that valproic acid presents, it turns out to be very useful for people who suffer from panic attacks, since it helps to calm and improve the symptoms that this type of disorder produces. Therefore, it is recommended to take this medicine in case of inexplicable intense fear, along with symptoms such as tachycardia, hyperventilation, tremors or dizziness.

Avoid migraine

Valproic acid is a drug that can be used to prevent headaches such as migraines, however, it should be mentioned that it should only be used in preventive cases, since it does not serve to alleviate those pain that have already begun.

Things to know about valproic acid

Before using this drug, it is important to know that there are various aspects about it that must be taken into account, since by obtaining the necessary information on its use, it will be possible to have an effective treatment with favorable results; avoiding any type of adverse reaction. Among these relevant aspects are the following:

Presentation of valproic acid

Valproic acid can be administered orally or intravenously, in addition to those who need to use this drug, they can get it in different presentations, which are:

• Tablets: they must be ingested with water at least 2 times a day, preferably with meals, they must also be swallowed whole, so they cannot be chewed or crushed.

• Syrup: valproic acid syrup can be ingested 2 times a day, it can be done with half a glass of water during meals, but never in combination with carbonated drinks.
• Capsules: they can be swallowed whole with a little water, or you can also open the capsule and pour the balls it contains into some soft food, since they should not be chewed.
• Time-release granules: usually taken once a day together with water or mixed with a soft food such as yogurt.

According to the type of pathology that the patient has, the doctor will indicate which of the different presentations of valproic acid is the most recommended, as well as the daily dose necessary for the treatment. It is important that before taking the medicine, the instructions found on the product label and the medical indications are taken into account, since a higher quantity than the recommended amount cannot be given, as it could be counterproductive.

What is the recommended dose of valproic acid?

The dose of administration varies according to the pathology that the patient presents and his age, although it is normal to start with small doses and increase them as the treatment progresses. They generally tend to be the following:

• Oral route: from 10 to 15 mg depending on the patient’s weight, administering it once a day and with weekly increments of 5 to 10 mg, until reaching 60 mg, which is the most common, however everything will depend on what the patient dictates. doctor.
• Intravenous use: 15 ml / kg per injection in 3 to 5 minutes.

It should be noted that these data are general, therefore, if you want to supply this drug, you should consult your doctor to find out what the necessary dose is according to the patient and the disease you have.

Where to buy valproic acid?

The acquisition of this drug is extremely simple, since it can be found in any physical pharmacy in the country. However, it can also be purchased through the Internet, since there are currently many stores and laboratories that sell various drugs online, valproic acid being one of them.

Precautions

As with any other drug, there are certain precautions that must be taken into account, which is why those who wish to use it should pay attention to the following:

• Do not self-medicate.
• Inform the doctor if you are taking any other medicine or if you suffer from any disease, since depending on the case this drug could be contraindicated.
• In case of forgetting a dose, it is important to administer it just when you remember it unless it is already time for the next dose, in this case the missing dose should be skipped and the treatment should continue as normal, since a doubling of the dose Doses to make up for a missed dose can be counterproductive.
• Store the medicine at room temperature.
• Keep it out of the reach of children.

Contraindications of valproic acid

Valproic acid is not recommended for everyone, so it is extremely important to consult a doctor before using it, in order to avoid possible health complications.

According to studies, this drug is contraindicated for the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to any component.
• Patients with acute or chronic hepatitis.
• People who suffer from a congenital disorder such as mitochondrial.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Those who suffer from Alzheimer’s.

Valproic acid side effects

Although it is a safe drug that tends to be well tolerated by people, there is the possibility that it causes some side effects, especially if it is administered excessively. Among the most common problems are gastrointestinal, since due to its components this drug can cause pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea, nausea and flatulence.

However, there are also other adverse reactions, which although they may not be so common, the possibility that someone may present them is latent, among them are:

• Liver problems
• Pancreatitis.
• Hypothermia.
• Allergic reactions.
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Red rash on the skin.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Unusual changes in behavior or mood.
• Fever.
• Hair loss.
• Changes in vision

In case of presenting some of these side effects it is recommended to immediately suspend the consumption of this medicine and if the symptoms are prolonged it is necessary to see a doctor to be treated.

Conclusion: Is it advisable to use valproic acid?

Valproic acid is a highly recommended drug for those cases in which the patient has a brain disorder, as well as for migraine, since it contains properties that serve to prevent its appearance. However, as with any other medicine, it is important to follow the medical indications regarding its use, since excessive doses can cause a series of health complications.