Sodium Valproate in the Treatment of Resistant Epilepsy

The study involved 115 patients with resistant epilepsy treated with sodium valproate (Epilim) for 6 to 24 months, with dosages ranging from 400 mg to 2400 mg daily. Most patients had previously been unsuccessfully treated with other anti-epileptic drugs. The treatment resulted in a reduction of seizure frequency by over 50% in about 70% of patients with generalized seizures and 37% of those with partial seizures. Some patients experienced increased alertness, improved mood, increased appetite, and better school performance. Adverse effects included gastrointestinal symptoms, weight gain, and hair loss.