Understanding the Risks of Sodium Valproate for Women with Bipolar Disorder and Migraine
Written by Rebecca Brisley | Medical Negligence Team | 31 January 2024
Sodium Valproate is not just for Epilepsy treatment
Sodium valproate may be prescribed under a number of different brand names, such as Epilim, Depakote, Convulex, Episenta, Epival, Kentlim, Orlept, Sodium Valproate, Syonell, Valpal, Belvo and Dyzantil. It is a drug that is available on prescription only, and is mainly used to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people who suffer from epilepsy.
Bipolar Disorder and Migraines
Whilst there has been a lot of publicity recently about the use of Sodium Valproate in epilepsy sufferers, and the effects that this medication can have on an unborn baby, is it less well known that this medication can also be prescribed to patients suffering from Bipolar Disorder and migraines.
NHS England have in fact prepared a helpful decision making flow chart to help you make the right choice when deciding on which medication might be best to suit your circumstances. The link for this can be found here.
There are times when Sodium Valproate might be the right choice for you over and above the standard treatment for Bipolar Disorder, which is usually Lithium. You can also take Sodium Valproate alongside Lithium, depending on what your doctor recommends. Your treating doctor will need to work with you to find the right medication, or combination of medication, to suit your needs, and this will often depend on your mood swings, how often they happen and how severe they are. If you are in a position where swift mood stabilisation is needed then Sodium Valproate may be a better option than Lithium as it takes a shorter amount of time to take effect.
Bipolar Disorder is ranked worldwide as being the 18th most common health condition. NICE Guidelines published in August 2023 (click here): make specific recommendations for medication treatment for females suffering from Bipolar Disorder who are aged between 14-55 years, and you will see that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should be referred to specialists for an assessment and discussion of drug treatment.
Lots more information
Have a look at our Sodium Valproate information page. Here we provide you with contacts in support groups, national news articles about the sodium valproate scandal, and we take a look at exactly how we can help you claim compensation if your child has been affected. We operate a No-Win-No-Fee model, which means that there’s absolutely no financial risk to you or your family. We won’t ask you to make any upfront costs and you won’t have to pay a penny out of your own pocket. If you have any questions, please call our specialist Medical Negligence lawyers on 01752 827085 or email medneg@nash.co.uk and we can talk you through your options.
Report by the Patient Safety Commissioner on Sodium Valproate compensation
Dr. Henrietta Hughes, the Patient Safety Commissioner, has shared her findings on the issues caused by sodium valproate, and we're hopeful this marks the beginning of better news for the children and families who have suffered because of these drugs.
Her report suggests that families with children who have been harmed by these anti-epilepsy medications should receive immediate financial support. The government asked her to explore the possibility of a compensation program for those impacted.
Click here for more information on the compensation report.
Please get in touch with us to help
If this specialist referral does not take place and you have continued to take Sodium Valproate throughout your pregnancy and your child has suffered as a result of Fetal Valproate Syndrome as a result then you might be able to pursue a claim for clinical negligence, and should not hesitate to contact a member of the Medical Negligence team here at Nash & Co on 01752 827085 or email at medneg@nash.co.uk
