Anticonvulsant medications - valproic acid derivatives

Depletions

Depletion of sodium has been reported with the use of valproic acid derivatives.

Sodium deficiency is rare because it is widely available in dietary sources. When it does occur, low levels have been associated with:

• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Confusion
• Memory impairment
• Reduced attention
• Muscle cramps
• Strong, rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Lack of energy
• Restlessness

Severe cases can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and possibly coma. The development of symptoms depends on how fast you lose sodium.

Editorial Note

The information presented here covers some of the nutrients that may be affected when you take certain medicines. If you have any of these signs and symptoms, it does not always mean you have low levels of these nutrients.

Factors that affect the level of nutrients are:

• Your medical history
• Diet
• Lifestyle
• How long you have been taking the medicine

Please talk to your health care provider. They can best address your health care needs and see if you are at risk for low levels of any nutrients.

Supporting Research

Dineen R, Hannon MJ, Thompson CJ. Hyponatremia and hypernatremia. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 112.

Gold Standard Drug Database. Drug Monograph: Valproic Acid Derivatives 2016. www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-637. Accessed July7, 2016.

Pfennig CL, Slovis CM. Electrolyte disorders. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 125.