Valproate Flashcards
What is it indicated for?
Epilepsy for seizure prevention
Bipolar disorder
Migraine attacks
How does it work?
It increases activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase increasing GABA production, reducing seizure discharges and propagation
What are the side effects of these drugs?
GI upset
Tremor
Ataxia
Behavioural disturbances
Thrombocytopenia
Increase liver enzymes
Hair loss
What are the life-threatening side effects of the drugs?
Rare, life-threatening, idiosyncratic adverse effects include severe liver injury, pancreatitis, bone marrow failure, and antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome
What are the warnings of these drugs?
Unless no other alternative avoid use in girls and women who could become pregnant
Avoid around conception and first trimester of pregnancy
Avoid in hepatic or severe renal impairment
What interactions with other drugs can occur?
It inhibits liver enzymes affecting drugs metabolised by CYP enzymes
It is also affected by CYP inducers and inhibitors
Reduced efficacy with drugs that lower seizure threshold like tramadol and antipsychotics