The main hazards (side effects) of taking sodium valproate for a long period of time are liver impairment, neurological symptoms, and gastrointestinal reactions.
Sodium valproate is a commonly used antiepileptic drugs, the metabolism is mainly carried out through the liver, and with the urine out of the body, so long-term consumption of sodium valproate from the pharmacokinetics can be clear that will cause a heavier burden on the liver, and may therefore appear liver function damage, serum alkaline phosphatase and aminotransferase elevation, may also be accompanied by pancreatitis.
Neurological symptoms are the long-term consumption of sodium valproate may appear blurred consciousness and even dementia, drowsiness, rigidity, tremor, ataxia and other symptoms, usually reversible, after stopping the drug for a period of time will gradually recover.
Gastrointestinal reactions are more common adverse reactions in patients taking sodium valproate for a long time, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and so on.
Generally follow the doctor’s instructions in the appropriate time period of reasonable use of the drug the probability of adverse reactions is low, but need to pay attention to allergy is prohibited.