Valproic acid (Depakene). A new anticonvulsant agent

Valproic acid was introduced as a new anticonvulsant agent, particularly effective for absence seizures, and showed improvement in tonic-clonic, mixed absence with tonic-clonic, and myoclonic epilepsy. It could be used alone or with other anticonvulsants, potentially allowing for reduced dosages of the latter. It was beneficial for some patients unresponsive to other treatments. Adverse reactions occurred in about 20% of patients, with gastrointestinal issues and drowsiness being most common, especially when combined with other anticonvulsants, while hair loss was less frequent. These side effects were generally temporary and did not necessitate stopping the medication.