What is valproate toxicity?
Most cases of VPA overdose are benign, but serious toxicity, including death, may occur after acute VPA ingestion. VPA is an 8-carbon 2-chain fatty acid used mainly for the primary and adjuvant control of simple and complex partial seizures, absence seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and myoclonic epilepsy.
Can valproate cause anemia?
Results: Valproate can cause direct bone marrow suppression leading to aplastic anemia or peripheral cytopenia affecting one or more cell lines. Occasional fatal bone marrow failure, myelodysplasia, and a clinical picture resembling acute promyelocytic leukemia have also been seen.
Does sodium valproate cause pancytopenia?
Sodium valproate treatment is associated with adverse haematological effects. Thrombocytopenia is a common adverse reaction, while pancytopenia is an uncommon adverse reaction.
How is valproate toxicity treated?
Treatment / Management Therapy for patients with valproate toxicity is mainly supportive and includes initial stabilization and resuscitation. Measures include maintenance of airway, breathing, and circulation. Establish early IV access as intravenous fluid administration for the patients presenting with hypotension.
What is the antidote for valproate?
Naloxone in the reversal of coma induced by sodium valproate.
Does valproic acid cause leukopenia?
Summary. Valproic acid is considered to be the most well-tolerated antiepileptic drug. However, few cases of neutropenia or leukopenia caused by valproic acid have been reported.
Can valproic acid cause Macrocytosis?
Aplastic anemia, pure red cell aplasia, macrocytosis, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia are some of the hematological adverse effects of valproic acid therapy cited in the literature [1, 2]. Some of these effects can lead to life-threatening complications.
Is there an antidote for sodium valproate?
No clinically established antidotes capable of immediately reversing toxic effects exist for the treatment of valproic acid overdose. However, L-carnitine and naloxone have both been used in a number of cases with varying results.
What happens if you have too much sodium valproate?
Taking too much sodium valproate can lead to symptoms such as: feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) headaches or feeling dizzy. muscle weakness.
What is the most common side effect of the valproate family of drugs?
The most commonly reported side effects at the start of therapy include nausea, vomiting, and indigestion; these effects are usually transient. Sedative effects occur most often in patients receiving combination therapy.