Morbidity and mortality risks associated with valproate withdrawal in young adults with epilepsy.

ABSTRACT: Valproate is the most effective treatment for idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Current guidance precludes its use in females of childbearing potential, unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated, because of high teratogenicity. This risk was recently extended to males. New guidance will limit use both in males and females aged <55 years, resulting in withdrawal of valproate from males already taking it, as occurs for females. Whether there are risks of personal harm (including injury or death) associated with valproate withdrawal has not yet been quantified for males or females ON valproate, meaning clinicians cannot reliably counsel either sex when discussing valproate withdrawal with them, despite that this concern may be at the forefront of patients' and clinicians' minds.

SUBMITTER: Mbizvo GK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11449131 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature