Sodium valproate: balancing benefits and risks especially in people of childbearing potential

Citation: McLaughlin D. Sodium valproate: balancing benefits and risks especially in people of childbearing potential. Aust Prescr. 2026 Jun;49(3):84-87. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2026.023. PMID: 42312305; PMCID: PMC13268831

• Sodium valproate (valproate) is an approved treatment for epilepsy and bipolar disorder in Australia.

• It is associated with a range of adverse effects that require monitoring and may limit its use.

• Due to its teratogenicity, valproate should not be prescribed to women of childbearing potential. Lamotrigine or levetiracetam are preferred alternatives in epilepsy. If no alternative is suitable and valproate is prescribed, contraception should be co-prescribed.

• Concerns have been raised about the potential risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to men taking valproate; although these findings have not been confirmed in robust studies, male patients should be informed of the potential risk.