behaviour changes from Valproic acid?

Jo - posted on 05/10/2009

My daughter was taking this medicine for 2 years (from the age of 7 thru 9). Her epilepsy hadn't been diagnosed until she was 7. Before going onto medication her moods were quite changeable. This medicine enhanced her mood swings and she would either be manic, aggressive or depressed. Lamotrigine was introduced after the first year, which helped to stabilise her moods. She eventually was switched to Zarontin which has proven to be more effective in controlling her epilepsy as well as her moods.

Carolyn - posted on 05/09/2009

My daughter has been on VPA for about 1.5 years now, I really can't say what behaviour is attributable to it or not, I found topomax was worse. We also have the autism component, so that affects her behaviour as well.

Sandi - posted on 05/09/2009

Hi folks, my son was put on Valproic Acid almost 4 years ago now .... I haven't seen any of the behavioral issues you speak of.... I'm blessed to have a happy and mischievous little boy!! He still has his challenges ... but he's happy.

Vicky - posted on 05/06/2009

my son is 6 yrs old. he's been on sodim valporate for about 4 yrs now. when the consultant inreased his meds when he was about 3-4 yrs me + his dad noticed a dramatic diference in our son- he couldn't sleep,would pick at his food, which he normally loved, he became very aggressive towards people, hyperactive and emotional at the same time, he was very hard work!
i got back intouch with the consultant as he did warn me about the side effects, we agreed because it was such a change in his behaviour he would have a lower dose of valporate (5mls twice daily) and introduce lamitcal (25mg twice daily) he obviously had to be weaned on to this. since then my little boy has gone back to his normal old self, he loves his big dinners, he's doing very well at school and only misbehaves when he wants his own way!!!!
the increase of valporate had a great impact in all of our lives even though it was only increased by 3mls at the time!!

Frances - posted on 05/03/2009

my nine year old daughter has been on Valproic Acid for the last two months.

she started having seizures in January 2009. Her behavior and personality have changed so much. She gets very upset over small things and doesn't seem to be able to control her emotions. She is not the same little girl she used to be, that is for sure. While we are waiting for a few more tests to be done, the Neurogolist is having us lower her dosage to see if it will help with her side effects, it has been about four days now, there are small changes with her but she is not our happy little nine year old that we once knew.

Alexis - posted on 05/03/2009

hi my son was on this medication from the age of 11months to roughly 2 1/2yrs.... he was a terror of a child, he wouldnt stop.. i had one doctor tell me that he had ADD... he would climb on things he would throw things. he wouldnt listen. his attention span was basically zero, he would hit, bite, choak. kick and be totally horrible to his baby brother (they are 16months apart} i couldnt trust him to take him anywhere, but to keep him at home was driving me crazy... he wouldnt sleep and of a night he was really restless.... he would throw all his meals, etc, i finally changed doctors and told him that i wasnt coping and asked if it was the medication as i didnt know what was normal behaviour for my son. so thatnkfully he listened and we fiddled with the levels.... and low and behold an instant change... so now he is on a combination of medication and a very low dose of valproic acid.....

iwould discuss this with your doctor, you could find that your little one is reacting aswell



your not alone... its not easy.... take care.....

Cami - posted on 04/26/2009

Hello! I have been on Valproic Acid for 24 years now and my mother insisted for years that I became such a horrible person when my levels were low. You might take him in to have his levels checked. Especially if he has had a growth spurt or is starting one.

Amanda - posted on 04/25/2009

Hi, I am 38 years of age and have been on sodium valporate/Epilem (I'm pretty sure this is the same drug you are talking about) for at least 25 years. One thing I have only recently found out is that it is also used to treat depression. Could this be altering your sons' behaviour? Maybe as the amount is lessening in his blood stream this brings on the negative behaviour?

Also to anyone out there who is on Sodium Valporate, and is pregnant or looking to get pregnant, ask your doctor about the side effects. I was too trusting of the medical profession and did not ask. They now claim my son has Sodium Valporate Sydrome; symptoms are similar to Cerebral Palsy.

Heather, talk to your doctor and ask questions until you get the answers you want.

Zakiah - posted on 04/23/2009

my 1 year old daughter has been on valproic acid for 8 months. yes her behaviour is really active. but on the other part its good knowing her active as a healthy child...

Jessica - posted on 04/20/2009

My 9 year old son has been on Valproic Acid for the past 3 years and has been on 4 other medications trying to find one that will stop the seizures. We recently have gotten back to decreasing the Valproic Acid and it seems as that began is when the misbehaving escalated. He has so many changes in meds it's hard to tell what is causing what anymore.

Adriana - posted on 04/19/2009

My son is on the same medication and also changed his behaviour from a very quiet 3 y old to a terrible 4. Even knowing this I still make him see that biting and slaming is not allowed. He then chews is shirt sleeve instead.

Stephanie - posted on 02/05/2009

My daughter turned 3 in Oct and has been on Valropic Acid for about a year now. Lately I have been questioning if it is one or all of her medications that are effecting her behaviour as well. (She is also on Dilantin aka Taro-Phenytoin and Phenobarbretol). For the last 2 months or so she has been very aggressive towards adults. Pinching, biting, pulling hair and hitting. She has never been a biting child ever unless she was teething as a baby, otherwise for the most part a great little girl. She also thinks it is absolutely hilarious to do the specific things she isn't supposed to. She will do them CONSTANTLY (example being slamming the glass doors on our entertainment stand, never been allowed to do it and would never care before) but now, does it for a reaction and laughs about it when we give her crap for it.. she will go back to it over and over again. She also has a major temper now, when she doesn't get her way she will flail her arms and storm off and intentionally hurt herself by banging her head on the wall or scratching herself, seems like she thinks by doing that we will give in and let her have her way. I can't give you a forsure answer obviously but it is definately something I am going to be looking further into and questioning her paediatrician more about at our next appointment. It's upsetting and frustrating. Im hoping it's just terrible 3's as she never had terrible 2's!! lol.