Valproic Acid (Divalproex Sodium)

Valproic acid is a branched, and short-chain fatty acid is a derivative of naturally occurring valeric acid. Valproic acid's primary use is as an anti-seizure medication, as well as in migraine, bipolar, mood, and anxiety disorders. Recent work has also demonstrated its efficacy as adjuvant therapy in HIV, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases as its histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition property. Valproic acid is a widely used therapy for pediatric epilepsy for its multiple targets and acceptable safety profile. The highly variable dose requirements and interactions with a wide range of drugs warrants regular patient follow up and therapeutic drug monitoring. However, the clinical and adverse drug effects correlate poorly with the serum concentrations of the drug.