How does it work?

Valproate semisodium is a type of medicine called a mood stabiliser. It is used to treat the manic phase of a psychiatric illness known as bipolar affective disorder, or manic depression. People with bipolar affective disorder suffer from abnormal mood swings, which range from episodes of abnormally high mood (mania or hypomania) to episodes of abnormally low mood (depression). Valproate semisodium works as a mood stabiliser by increasing the amount of a natural nerve calming chemical in the brain called GABA. The brain and nerves are made up of thousands of nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. The nerve activity is normally kept in balance by a natural chemical in the brain called GABA. When GABA is released in the brain it acts as a natural calming agent. Once GABA is broken down in the brain, it can no longer act on the nerves. When only small amounts of GABA are present, the brain may become 'overexcited'. Valproate semisodium prevents the breakdown of GABA in the brain. This enables more GABA to be available to calm nerve cells for a longer period of time. By calming the nerve cells, valproate semisodium prevents excessively rapid and repetitive firing of electrical signals. This stabilises the electrical nerve activity in the brain and is thought to explain how valproate semisodium calms periods of mania. In addition to treating manic episodes, valproate semisodium is prescribed by specialists as a maintenance treatment to help stabilise mood and prevent episodes of ill health, though this is an unlicensed use of the medicine.

What is it used for?

Maintenance treatment as a mood stabiliser in bipolar disorder to help prevent episodes of ill health (unlicensed use)

Manic episodes of bipolar affective disorder (manic depression)

Warning!

This medicine may cause blood, liver or pancreatic disorders. You should have blood tests to monitor your liver function and blood cell count before you start treatment. Your liver function should be monitored for the first six months of treatment, and your blood cell count should be checked before any surgery. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during treatment: lack of appetite and energy, weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, swelling of ankles or hands, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and bruising or bleeding with no obvious cause.

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

There is no information regarding the safety and effectiveness of this medicine to treat mania in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.

This medicine can cause some people to put on weight. Talk to your doctor about this before you start treatment so that you can discuss strategies, such as diet and exercise, for minimising any weight gain.

People with diabetes should be aware that valproate semisodium can cause false positive results in urine tests for ketones.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Disorders of urea production in the liver (urea cycle disorders)

Long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs (systemic lupus erythematosus)

Not to be used in

Active liver disease

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Personal or family history of severe liver dysfunction

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine may be harmful to a developing foetus. It should not normally be given to pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk in small amounts. It should only be used during breastfeeding if the benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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