Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Valproic Acid as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Valproic Acid use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with Valproic Acid, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Valproic Acid carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to Valproic Acid intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- Valproic Acid intake also carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating altered cardiac rhythms, leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with episodes of chest pain, slow ineffective heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
