Valproic Acid Research Paper

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Valproic Acid Valproic acid is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by increasing the amount of a certain natural substance in the brain. Valproic acid is used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of seizures. Valproic acid is also used to treat mania in people with bipolar. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches, but not to relieve headaches that have already begun. There are also less common uses for this medication such as, outbursts of aggression in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, chorea, and certain conditions that affect thinking, learning, and understanding. The molecular formula for Valproic acid is C8H16O2. Valproic acid is a colorless liquid with a characteristic…show more content…
Valproic acid may cause serious or life threatening damage to the liver or pancreas. The risk of developing liver damage is greatest in children who are younger than 2 years of age, the elderly, and in people who are taking more than one medication to prevent seizures. This may occur at any time during your treatment. Weight gain is the most common side effect of this medication, but these are also common: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, changes in appetite, mood swings, abnormal thinking, memory loss, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, uncontrollable movements of the eyes, blurred or double vision, ringing in the ears, etc. If these symptoms are severe or do not go away, it is important to contact your doctor. People who take this medication should know that Valproic acid cannot cure a condition; this medication only has the power to control the condition. Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor even if you feel cured, a sudden stop in taking Valproic acid can lead to life threatening seizures. Also, Valproic acids should not be taken by pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant, this medication could cause birth…show more content…
Valproic acid can be taken in many different forms, each taken two or more times daily. It is important not to overdose on this medication, excessive amounts of Valproic acid can result in tremor, stupor, respiratory depression, coma, metabolic acidosis, and even death. Valproic acid may come as a capsule, an extended-release long-acting tablet or a delayed-release slow to begin working tablet. The drug could also come as syrup to drink or a sprinkle capsule that can be sprinkled onto food. This medication should be taken with food and around the same time daily. Valproic acid is being experimented on HIV and cancer patients but no sure benefits have been found through these studies. Valproic acid has also been used experimentally as a medication for different skin diseases, no sure benefits have been found here

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