Valproic Acid

Valproic acid (also known as Sodium valproate) is a medicine used to treat certain neurological disorders like epilepsy or other mental conditions like bipolar disorder and prevent migraine headaches. A valproic acid test measures and monitors the amount of this medicine in the blood sample. This test is often conducted at timely intervals throughout the treatment to check for the optimal range of this medicine and to check the compliance of the patient. It is important to take the exact prescribed dosage of this medicine to avoid derangement of the test results. This test may also be done to diagnose potential toxicity. Abnormally high levels may cause side effects like tremors, nausea, or drowsiness. Your doctor may adjust the dosage up or down depending on the results of this blood test.

Note: Therapeutic ranges are based on the sample collected time just before the scheduled dose is due.