List of adverse effects of valproate

List of adverse effects of valproate by frequency:

Very common (>10%)

Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Headache Low platelet count (dose-related) Tremor (dose-related) Alopecia (hair loss, usually temporary) Drowsiness Dizziness Hyperandrogenism in females Seeing double Indigestion Lazy eye Infection Tinnitus Elevated aminotransferase concentrations (dose-related; indicative of liver injury)

Common (1-10%) * Paresthesia Abdominal pain Tremor Increased appetite Weight gain Ataxia Polycystic ovaries Memory impairment Menstrual irregularities Rash Back pain Mood changes Anxiety Confusion Abnormal gait Hallucinations Catatonia Dysarthria Tardive dyskinesia Vertigo High blood levels of ammonia without symptoms

Uncommon (0.1-1%) Peripheral edema Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIAH)

Rare (<0.1% frequency) * Liver failure Pancreatitis (these two usually occur in first 6 months and can be fatal) Leukopenia (low white blood cell count) Neutropenia (low neutrophil count) Pure red cell aplasia Agranulocytosis Extrapyramidal syndrome (including parkinsonism, may be reversible) Brain problems due to high ammonia levels Drug-induced hypothermia (low body temperature) Hypersensitivity reactions including multi-organ hypersensitivity syndrome Eosinophilic pleural effusion Bone fractures (reduced BMD with long-term use)

References