Effects of Sodium Valproate in 100 Children with Special Reference to Weight

A retrospective analysis of 100 children with epilepsy treated with sodium valproate showed that fit control improved in 77 children, particularly those with generalized epilepsy. While severe side effects like acute liver disease and pancreatitis were not observed, milder side effects were common, affecting 65 patients. The most frequent side effect was increased weight gain, occurring in 44 cases. Other side effects included transient gastrointestinal disturbances (20 cases), lassitude (9), transient hair loss (6), transient enuresis (7), and aggressive behavior (4).