List of adverse effects of valproic acid

List of adverse effects of valproic acid by frequency:

Very common (>10%)

 * Nausea
 * Vomiting
 * Diarrhea
 * Headache
 * Low platelet count (dose-related)
 * Tremor (dose-related)
 * Hair loss (usually temporary)
 * Drowsiness
 * Dizziness
 * Hyperandrogenism in females
 * Seeing double
 * Indigestion
 * Lazy eye
 * Infection
 * Tinnitus


 * Elevated aminotransferase concentrations (dose-related; indicative of liver injury)

Common (1-10%)

 * Paresthesia
 * Abdominal pain
 * Tremor
 * Increased appetite
 * Weight gain
 * Ataxia
 * Polycystic ovaries
 * Memory impairment
 * Menstrual irregularities
 * Rash
 * Back pain
 * Mood changes
 * Anxiety
 * Confusion
 * Abnormal gait
 * Hallucinations
 * Catatonia
 * Dysarthria
 * Tardive dyskinesia
 * Vertigo


 * High blood levels of ammonia without symptoms

Uncommon (0.1-1%)

 * Peripheral edema
 * Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone

Rare (<0.1% frequency)

 * Liver failure
 * Pancreatitis (these two usually occur in first 6 months and can be fatal)
 * Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
 * Neutropenia (low neutrophil count)
 * Pure red cell aplasia
 * Agranulocytosis
 * Extrapyramidal syndrome (including parkinsonism, may be reversible)
 * Brain problems due to high ammonia levels
 * Low body temperature
 * Hypersensitivity reactions including multi-organ hypersensitivity syndrome
 * Eosinophilic pleural effusion
 * Bone fractures (reduced BMD with long-term use)