What is Valproate?
{{Advertisement}} '''Valproate''' ('''VPA''') is a [[drug]]. It has different forms, such as '''valproic acid''', '''sodium valproate''' and '''valproate semisodium'''. It is mostly used to treat [[epilepsy]] and [[bipolar disorder]]. It is also used to stop [[migraine]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Valproic Acid|publisher=Drugs.com|url=https://www.drugs.com/monograph/valproic-acid.html|access-date=Mar 22, 2016}}</ref> It is useful to stop some types of [[seizure]]s. It can be given [[intravenous therapy|intravenously]] or by [[mouth]]. Common side effects of this medication are [[Somnolence|sleepiness]], [[dry mouth]], weakness, [[vomiting]] and [[nausea]]. Serious side effects can include [[liver]] problems, [[pancreatitis]] and an increased [[suicidal ideation|suicide risk]]. Overdose and poisoning can happen (see 'overdose and poisoning') Valproate is known to cause birth defects and [[miscarriage]]s in pregnant women who use the medicine, so it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or able to become pregnant to take Valproate.{{Verify source}} ==Overdose and poisoning== Too much valproic acid can result in wanting to sleep, shaking, near [[Consciousness|unconsciousness]], trouble breathing ([[Dyspnea|dyspnoea]]), [[coma]], [[metabolic acidosis]], and [[death]]. Normal amounts of valproic acid levels in [[blood plasma]] are from 20–100&nbsp;milligrams per liter. 150–1500&nbsp;milligrams of valproic acid per liter of blood plasma is very dangerous.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Sztajnkrycer MD | title = Valproic acid toxicity: overview and management | journal = J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. | volume = 40 | issue = 6 | pages = 789–801 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12475192 | doi = 10.1081/CLT-120014645 | s2cid = 23031095 }}</ref> ==Brand names== <!-- Please do not add sodium valproate-based products to this list. That drug has its own list below --> Branded products include: {{colbegin|2}} * Absenor ([[Orion Corporation]] Finland) * Convulex ([[G.L. Pharma GmbH]] Austria) * Depakene ([[Abbott Laboratories]] in