Valproic acid weight gain

Valproic acid (VPA) is gaining increasing acceptance as a first-line drug it is less sedating than other anticonvulsants. Tremor, gastrointestinal upset, and weight gain are frequently observed reversible hair loss is a rarer occurrence. Hepatotoxicity may be due to a toxic catabolite (4-en VPA). 

Valproic acid Common gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, sedation, tremor, weight gain, hair loss Uncommon vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, dysarthria... 

Adverse effects include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or constipation, weight gain, skin rash hair loss, neutropenia, tremors and ataxia are occasionally reported. Valproic acid is contraindicated in liver disease, especially cirrhosis, pregnancy and hypersensitivity. 

Valproic acid can have unacceptable side effects, such as hair loss, weight gain, and sedation. Certain problems can limit valproic acid s usefulness in women of child-bearing potential, including the fact that it can cause neural tube defects in... 

Wirrell EC. Valproic acid-associated weight gain in older children and teens with epilepsy. Pediatr Neurol 2003 28 126-9. 

Verrotti A, Basciani F, Morresi S, de Martino M, Morgese G, Chiarelli F. Serum leptin changes in epileptic patients who gain weight after therapy with valproic acid. Neurology 1999 53(l) 230-2. 

Corman, C. L., N. M. Leung and A. H. Guberman (1997). Weight gain in epileptic patients during treatment with valproic acid a retrospective study. Can J Neurol Sci 24(3) 240-4. 

Depakene valproic acid anticonvulsant bipolar disorder, conduct disorder upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, sedation, tremor... 

TOXICITY The most common side effects are transient GI symptoms, including anorexia, nausea, and vomiting in -16% of patients. CNS effects include sedation, ataxia, and tremor these symptoms occur infrequently and usually respond to a decrease in dosage. Rash, alopecia, and stimulation of appetite have been observed occasionally, and weight gain has been seen with chronic valproic acid treatment. Elevation of hepatic transaminases is observed in up to 40% of patients and often occurs asymptomatically during the first several months of therapy. 

B. Adverse effects of chronic valproic acid therapy include hepatic failure (high-risk patients are less than 2 years of age, receiving multiple anticonvulsants, or have other long-term neurologic complications) and weight gain. Hepatitis is not dose related and Is not usually seen after an acute overdose. Pancreatitis is usually considered a non-dose-related effect. Alopecia, red cell aplasia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia have been associated with both acute and chronic valproic acid intoxication. 

Espinosa PS, Salazar JC, Yu L, Mendiondo MS, Robertson WC, Baumann RJ. Lack of valproic acid-associated weight gain in prepubertal children. Pediatr Neurol 2008 39(3) 177-80. 

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