Valproate is the first choice of the antiepileptics used to treat bipolar disorder. In acute mania valproic acid is licensed; sodium valproate is a cost-effective alternative to valproic acid but is off-label for this indication. Both drugs are used for maintenance treatment but both are off-label for this indication.

Valproate medicines are contraindicated in women and girls of childbearing potential unless conditions of Pregnancy Prevention Programme are met (MHRA advice April 2018)

  • MHRA advice: Valproate (Belvo, Convulex, Depakote, Dyzantil, Epilim, Epilim Chrono or Chronosphere, Episenta, Epival, and Syonell): new safety and educational materials to support regulatory measures in men and women under 55 years of age (January 2024) (www.gov.uk).
  • National Patient Safety Alert: Valproate: organisations to prepare for new regulatory measures for oversight of prescribing to new patients and existing female patients (November 2023) (www.gov.uk).
  • MHRA advice: Valproate: dispense full packs of valproate-containing medicines (October 2023) (www.gov.uk).
  • MHRA advice: Valproate: reminder of current Pregnancy Prevention Programme requirements; information on new safety measures to be introduced in the coming months (December 2022) (www.gov.uk).
  • MHRA advice: Antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy: updated advice following comprehensive safety review (January 2021) (www.gov.uk).
  • MHRA advice: Valproate (Epilim▼, Depakote▼) pregnancy prevention programme: updated educational materials (May 2020) (www.gov.uk).
  • MHRA advice: Valproate Pregnancy Prevention Programme: temporary advice for management during coronavirus (COVID-19) (February 2020) (www.gov.uk).
  • MHRA advice: Antiepileptic drugs: updated advice on switching between different manufacturers’ products (November 2018) (www.gov.uk).
  • Risk Minimisation Materials
  • MHRA Drug Safety Update articles

SODIUM VALPROATE

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Enteric coated tablets 200mg, 500mg (s)

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Crushable tablets 100mg (s)

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Modified release tablets 200mg, 300mg, 500mg (s)

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Oral solution 200mg/5mL (s)

VALPROIC ACID

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Enteric coated tablets 250mg, 500mg (s)

Editorial Information

Document Id: F108