Sodium valproate is used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
It's occasionally used to prevent migraine headaches.
This medicine is only available on prescription. If you're under 55 years old, it will need to be prescribed by a specialist doctor. The doctor will also need a second opinion from another specialist to show that there is no other suitable treatment for you.
It comes as capsules, tablets and a liquid that you swallow. It also comes as granules that you mix with food or drink.
Sodium valproate can also be given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.
If taken during pregnancy, sodium valproate can cause problems for a baby's development, including birth defects and lifelong learning difficulties. Sodium valproate is not recommended if there's a chance that you could become pregnant.
For women and girls of childbearing age, if you do need to take sodium valproate then your doctor will enrol you on the valproate pregnancy prevention programme, called Prevent.
For men taking sodium valproate, your fertility could be affected. It may also cause learning or behavioural problems in your child if your partner becomes pregnant while you're taking sodium valproate.
Important: Valproate pregnancy prevention programme
The valproate pregnancy prevention programme aims to stop you from accidentally becoming pregnant while taking sodium valproate. It includes:
- an annual review – you should be reviewed every year by your doctor or nurse, who will assess whether you need to continue taking sodium valproate or whether it's possible to change your medicine
- contraception advice – if you are taking sodium valproate then you must be using reliable contraception, even if you're not currently sexually active
Your doctor or nurse can advise you about reliable contraception. You'll be asked to sign a form to say that you're using contraception and understand the risks of becoming pregnant while taking sodium valproate.
It's important to get advice from your doctor if:
- you become pregnant
- you want to plan a pregnancy
For men who could possibly have children, it's important to discuss sodium valproate with your doctor. You and your partner should use contraception while you're taking sodium valproate and for at least 3 months after stopping.
For men who are planning to start a family within the next year, speak to a doctor about your treatment options. Do not stop taking sodium valproate without speaking to a doctor first.
Updated: 11 March 2025
Key facts
- You'll usually take sodium valproate once or twice a day. You can take it with or without food.
- You'll usually start on a low dose. Your dose will gradually increase over a few days or weeks.
- Valproic acid and semisodium valproate are similar to sodium valproate and work in the same way. However, these medicines are used to treat different conditions and doses will vary.
- There are also brands such as Epilim Chrono, Epilim Chronosphere and Dyzantil, which contain mostly sodium valproate, with some valproic acid.
- If you're pregnant, or there's a chance you could become pregnant, sodium valproate is not recommended for treating migraine. For epilepsy and bipolar disorder, your doctor will only prescribe sodium valproate for you if there are no other suitable treatments.