The antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) is associated with two major adverse effects: teratogenicity and folate deficiency.
– Eur J Clin Nutr 2000 Mar;54 Suppl 1:S69-74 — Drugs-nutrient interactions: a potential problem during adolescence. — Alonso-Aperte E, Varela-Moreiras G.



Aspirin should not be given to patients taking valproic acid.
– J Am Dent Assoc 1999 Mar;130(3):397-407 — Adverse drug interactions in dental practice: interactions associated with analgesics, Part III in a series. — Haas DA.



When multiple antiepileptics are administered during pregnancy the risk to the fetus increases considerably.
– Clin Perinatol 1989 Jun;16(2):339-60 — Deleterious effects of drugs on the developing nervous system. — Dodson WE.



Serious adverse reactions can occur such as hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis. It has been proposed that valproic acid not be used in the younger child, the child with a severe seizure disorder or other neurological disorders, mental retardation, developmental delay, organic brain disease, congenital abnormalities, or the child who is taking multiple anticonvulsant drugs, as these factors may increase the likelihood of hepatotoxicity and/or pancreatitis.
– Pediatr Pathol Mol Med 2002 Sep-Oct;21(5):477-84 — Pathological case of the month: sudden death in a child as a result of pancreatitis during valproic Acid therapy. — Mileusnic D, Donoghue ER, Lifschultz BD.