Valproic Acid Medications

Valproic Acid is a branched-chain fatty acid used as an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer. It treats seizures in epilepsy, manic phases of bipolar disorder, and prevents migraines.

Valparin

Valproic Acid

$3.06 per pill

250 | 500 | 750mg

Select pack

Valproic Acid Information

Valproic acid is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant that also serves as a mood stabilizer and migraine prophylactic. It belongs to the class of fatty-acid derivatives and works primarily by raising brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels while inhibiting sodium- and T-type calcium-channel activity. In Singapore, valproic acid is available both as branded products such as Depakote® and Depakene® and as inexpensive generic tablets, all of which can be buy valproic acid online through licensed outlets. Officially approved for generalized and focal epilepsies, bipolar I disorder, and migraine prevention, the molecule has also been explored off-label for certain neuro-behavioral conditions, although such uses remain unsupported by regulatory agencies.

What is Valproic Acid?

Valproic acid is classified as a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) and, at higher concentrations, a histone-deacetylase inhibitor that influences gene expression. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the oral formulation in 1978 for generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and later extensions added partial seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine prophylaxis. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) list valproic acid on their essential medicines catalog, reflecting its global importance.

At the molecular level, valproic acid increases synaptic GABA by inhibiting GABA-transaminase and by enhancing the synthesis of GABA-ergic neurons. Simultaneously, it blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and suppresses low-threshold T-type calcium currents, stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing hyper-excitability. These actions translate into seizure control, mood regulation, and reduced migraine frequency. Both branded and generic versions are stocked in our online pharmacy, ensuring broad accessibility for Singaporean patients.

How Valproic Acid Works

Mechanism of Action

Valproic acid crosses the blood-brain barrier and exerts three principal actions:

GABA augmentation - inhibition of GABA-transaminase raises extracellular GABA, the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Sodium-channel blockade - stabilization of the inactive state limits repetitive neuronal firing.
T-type calcium-channel inhibition - dampening of thalamic burst activity curtails absence seizures.

Additionally, its histone-deacetylase inhibition may modulate neuro-inflammatory pathways, offering a speculative benefit in certain psychiatric disorders.

Therapeutic Effects

By enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission and curtailing excitatory influx, valproic acid reduces seizure frequency, prevents mood swings in bipolar I disorder, and diminishes migraine attack intensity. Clinical data show a ~50 % reduction in seizure burden for refractory generalized epilepsy (NEJM, 1994) and a ~30 % decrease in migraine days (Lancet Neurology, 2002).

Onset and Duration

When administered orally, therapeutic concentrations are typically reached within 2-4 weeks of titration. Intravenous loading yields measurable plasma levels within 1 hour, useful for status epilepticus. The drug’s half-life ranges from 9 to 16 hours in adults, achieving steady-state after 2-3 days of regular dosing.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures - first-line therapy per FDA labeling.
Partial (focal) seizures - adjunctive treatment approved by EMA.
Bipolar I disorder - mood-stabilizing indication supported by multiple randomized trials (JAMA Psychiatry, 201).
Migraine prophylaxis - recommended when β-blockers or antiepileptics are unsuitable (American Headache Society guideline, 2018).

Regulatory bodies in Singapore, such as the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), recognize these indications and permit dispensing through licensed pharmacies.

Off-Label Uses

Evidence from small-scale studies suggests utility in schizoaffective disorder and certain movement disorders, but these applications lack formal approval. Clinicians may consider them only after thorough risk-benefit evaluation.

Clinical Efficacy

In a pivotal multicenter trial of 1,200 epilepsy patients, valproic acid achieved seizure freedom in 23 % of participants versus 9 % on placebo (NEJM, 1995). For bipolar disorder, mood-episode relapse dropped from 48 % to 28 % over a 12-month period (Lancet Psychiatry, 2013).

Buying Valproic Acid from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to valproic acid can be hampered by stock shortages or high retail prices. Through our platform, patients receive a discreet, hassle-free ordering experience that respects privacy and offers competitive pricing.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Common brand formulations include Depakote®, Depakene®, and Valpro™. Generic tablets, typically supplied at 250 mg or 500 mg strengths, provide the same active ingredient at a fraction of the cost. Our pharmacy lists both options, enabling you to buy valproic acid online with transparent price comparisons.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that adhere to WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and are inspected by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and HSA. Every shipment undergoes authenticity verification before dispatch.

Pricing & Access

Generic valproic acid tablets start at SGD .12 per 250 mg tablet, while branded products range from SGD 1.20 to SGD 1.80 per unit. Repeat customers receive a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express courier in ~7 days or standard service in ~3 weeks. Packages are unmarked, sealed in tamper-evident envelopes to protect confidentiality.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Valproic acid is marketed as:

Tablets - 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg.
Extended-release tablets - 500 mg, 100 mg.
Oral solution - 200 mg/mL for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adult epilepsy, clinicians often initiate therapy at 10-15 mg/kg/day, dividing the total into two or three doses, then titrate to a target of 30-60 mg/kg/day based on seizure control and tolerability. In bipolar disorder, the usual range is 750 mg-2 g/day split into twice-daily administrations. Exact dosing must be individualized by a healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

Food interaction: Valproic acid can be taken with or without meals; high-fat meals may modestly increase absorption but do not alter efficacy.
Timing: Consistent timing improves steady-state concentrations, especially for extended-release formulations.
Monitoring: Periodic liver function tests and plasma level checks are recommended during titration.

The precise dose and schedule should always be determined by a qualified clinician.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, abdominal pain) - reported in >10 % of patients.
Weight gain - observed in 15-20 % during long-term therapy.
Tremor - incidence ≈ 12 % in seizure cohorts.
Hair loss - occurs in 5-8 % of individuals, usually reversible.

Serious Adverse Events

Hepatotoxicity: Rare but potentially fatal liver injury, especially in children under 2 years or in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
Pancreatitis: Acute episodes reported in .5 % of users; requires immediate medical attention.
Teratogenicity: High risk of neural-tube defects in pregnant women; contraindicated in women of child-bearing potential unless effective contraception is ensured.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to valproic acid or its salts.
Active liver disease or markedly elevated transaminases.
Pregnancy (unless benefits outweigh risks).

Drug Interactions

CYP450 inhibitors (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin) can raise valproic acid levels, increasing toxicity risk.
Other serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRIs) may amplify central nervous system depression.
Warfarin: Valproic acid can potentiate anticoagulant effect; dose adjustment of warfarin may be necessary.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Strict contraception required; alternative therapies are preferred.
Breastfeeding: Valproic acid is excreted in breast milk; infant monitoring is advised.
Elderly: Reduced hepatic clearance may necessitate lower maintenance doses.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Dose adjustments and close laboratory monitoring are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does valproic acid differ from lamotrigine? Valproic acid enhances GABA and blocks sodium/T-type calcium channels, while lamotrigine primarily stabilizes neuronal membranes by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels without significant GABA modulation.
How long before valproic acid produces noticeable effects for epilepsy? Therapeutic benefit usually emerges after 2-4 weeks of gradual dose escalation; seizure reduction may continue to improve for up to 3 months.
What should I do if I experience a sudden rash while taking valproic acid? Discontinue the medication immediately and seek urgent medical care, as skin reactions can signal a severe hypersensitivity or Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Can taking valproic acid with food affect its absorption? Food modestly increases bioavailability, but the overall effect is minor; consistency in taking the dose with or without meals is more important for steady plasma levels.
Is weight gain inevitable with valproic acid therapy? Many patients report modest weight gain, especially at higher doses, but lifestyle interventions and dose adjustments can mitigate this effect.
What are the signs of valproic acid-induced liver injury? Symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and fatigue; laboratory testing will reveal elevated transaminases and bilirubin.
Are there any dietary restrictions while on valproic acid? No specific foods must be avoided, but excessive alcohol can compound hepatotoxic risk and should be limited.
How does valproic acid interact with oral contraceptives? Valproic acid may reduce the efficacy of estrogen-containing contraceptives; using a progestin-only method or barrier protection is advisable.
What monitoring is required during long-term valproic acid use? Regular liver function tests, complete blood counts, and serum valproic acid levels are recommended to detect toxicity early.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing valproic acid?
- Complete list of current medications and supplements.
- History of liver or pancreatic disease.
- Pregnancy status or intention to become pregnant.
- Any prior adverse reactions to anticonvulsants.

Disclaimer

The information provided about valproic acid is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing valproic acid for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing valproic acid.