valproic acid

# Valproic Acid: What You Should Know Valproic acid is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat seizures (epilepsy) and to help prevent migraines. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain that can cause seizures or migraine headaches. This medicine comes in different forms, including capsules and liquid, so your doctor can choose what works best for you. It's important to take valproic acid exactly as your doctor tells you, because taking the right dose helps the medicine work properly. Before taking valproic acid, you need to know some important safety information. This drug can cause serious liver problems, so your doctor will watch your liver health carefully with blood tests. It's especially risky for young children, people with liver disease, and unborn babies—this medicine can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. You also need to tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, because valproic acid can interact with many drugs like birth control pills, antibiotics, and seizure medicines. Some medicines can make valproic acid work better or worse in your body, so your doctor needs to know everything you're taking to keep you safe.