Valproate, also referred to as valproic acid, is a prescription medication that is used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. While valproate cannot cure epilepsy, it works on certain pathways in the brain to prevent, and reduce the severity of, seizures.

In addition to its use as a treatment for seizures, valproate may be prescribed to treat manic episodes in patients who have bipolar disorder.

Valproic acid is the medicated form of valproate. Once it has been ingested into the body, valproic acid is converted to valproate. For the purposes of this article, valproic acid will be referred to as valproate.

Valproate is prescribed to help individuals managing certain forms of epilepsy control seizures. It is also used to treat the mania phase of bipolar disorder.

Seizures are uncontrollable electrical disruptions in the brain that occur suddenly. A seizure can alter your behavior, movements, and awareness. Suffering two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart is known as epilepsy. Seizure types vary drastically in their range of symptoms and severity. On average, a seizure lasts from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

While valproate cannot cure epilepsy, it can help patients manage seizure symptoms caused by the disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes periods of mood swings that range from depression to manic highs. Valproate specifically helps manage periods of mania, which can be characterized as episodes of a frenzied, hyperactive, or irritated mood. Mania is commonly followed by depressive episodes that can intense feelings of sadness, isolation, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Valproate slows brain activity that can aggravate these manic episodes, helping patients managing bipolar disorder maintain mental balance.

Valproate is classified as an anticonvulsant medication. This particular medication works by reducing certain synaptic responses in the brain – which can reduce and control seizures. During a seizure, brain cells are required to work faster than normal. Valproate slows the action of these cells, essentially stopping them from working as fast as a seizure requires them to. By slowing brain activity, valproate can halt seizure symptoms before they begin.

Valproate’s action on brain activity is also used as a treatment for manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Valproate slows brain activity that can aggravate these periods of mania, helping patients managing bipolar disorder maintain mental balance.

It is important to note that valproate/ valproic acid is not a cure for epilepsy or bipolar disorder. Both of these disorders are ongoing conditions that require a lifetime of management and treatment. When prescribed to patients managing epilepsy, valproate is a medication used to prevent seizures. It cannot be used to treat a seizure that is already happening.

Valproate has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these mild reactions do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported from valproate use include:

• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Constipation
  
• Headache
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions caused by valproate. Call your doctor right away if you experience any difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, hives, or swelling while taking this medication.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before taking valproate. Valproate can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Valproate is commonly administered as an oral capsule or tablet. The specific dosage of valproate prescribed to patients varies depending on their age and body weight, as well as the condition for which the patient is being treated. Talk to your doctor about the specific dosage you require, and the proper use of this medication. In most cases, the daily dosage of valproate is divided into several smaller doses to be taken throughout the day.

Do not crush, break, or chew this medication. If valproate has been prescribed to you as an oral tablet or capsule, take this medication whole with a glass of water. It is recommended that you take valproate with food to avoid an upset stomach.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of valproate without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for valproate to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

Valproate is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not valproate is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.