Side Effects of Sodium Valproate During Long-Term Treatment in Epilepsy

The study evaluated the side effects of long-term sodium valproate treatment in 55 patients with refractory epilepsy. The side effects were generally slight and transient, with CNS side effects observed in 3 patients and uncommon gastrointestinal symptoms. One patient experienced hair loss potentially linked to the medication. No severe side effects, such as abnormal blood counts or organ damage, were found. The frequency of side effects was consistent with existing literature, except for the lower incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms. No direct correlation was found between serum sodium valproate levels and side effects.