Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Valproic Acid as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Valproic Acid use can result in episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, and light-headedness. Closely watching for the therapeutic response and developing side-effects allows appropriate changes in the dose of Valproic Acid, to help optimum control of your symptoms and can also contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by Valproic Acid intake.
- Valproic Acid use, especially in individuals with history of mood disorders, can result in worsening of anxiety and depressive symptoms, changes in behavior, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, irritability, and suicidal thoughts.
Hematologic side-effects
- Valproic Acid carries significant risk of lowering the platelet count and result in episodes of easy and unexplained bleeding. Individuals, secondary to Valproic Acid intake, can present with easy bruising and small purple patches on the skin due to reduced clotting ability of blood and episodes of poorly controlled bleeding into the skin.
