The medicine is not recommended for certain groups of people
Nicholas Dawson
04:25, 26 Dec 2025Updated 08:38, 26 Dec 2025
Certain patients have been urged to contact their doctor immediately if they are taking a common medication. People taking sodium valproate have been warned they may need to contact their GP or nurse "urgently". The prescription medication is provided under brand names including Dyzantil, Epilim, Episenta or Epival.
The medication has been in circulation for many decades and can be used to treat epilepsy or bipolar disorder. NHS guidance states: "This medicine is only available on prescription. If you're under 55 years old, it will need to be prescribed by a specialist doctor.
"The doctor will also need a second opinion from another specialist to show that there is no other suitable treatment for you." You can get sodium valproate in the form of capsules, tablets or as a liquid you can swallow. You can also get it as granules that you mix with food or drink.
Contact your doctor urgently
However, some groups are recommended not to take the medicine, particularly pregnant women. Advice on the NHS website warns: "Sodium valproate is not recommended in pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects and problems with your child's learning and behaviour.
"If there's a chance you could become pregnant while taking this medicine, your doctor will enrol you on Prevent, the valproate pregnancy prevention programme. If you think you might be pregnant and you're taking sodium valproate, contact your doctor or nurse urgently."
If you are taking the medicine for epilepsy or bipolar disorder and you become pregnant, you should not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor about this first. This is because the symptoms of your health condition may get worse if you stop taking the treatment.
The guidance explains: "Your doctor may continue to prescribe sodium valproate, but only if there's no other suitable treatment for your epilepsy or bipolar disorder. For pregnant women with recurrent migraine your doctor should offer you an alternative treatment to sodium valproate."
Discuss it with your doctor
Men who take the medication who are thinking of having children are also encouraged to speak to their doctor about the issue. The advice is: "For men who could possibly have children, it's important to discuss sodium valproate with your doctor.
"You and your partner should use contraception while you're taking sodium valproate and for at least three months after stopping. For men who are planning to start a family within the next year, speak to a doctor about your treatment options. Do not stop taking sodium valproate without speaking to a doctor first."
Impact on your fertility
Taking sodium valproate can reduce fertility in both men and women. The drug has been reported to cause infertility in men although this may get better if you stop taking the medication.
NHS guidance states: "Do not stop or change your medicine without speaking to your doctor, as it may make your condition worse." Taking the medication can also change a woman's menstrual cycle.
The advice warns: "In women sodium valproate can change your menstrual cycle, causing delayed or missed periods. Sodium valproate has also been reported to cause polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though this happens rarely.
"Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about how sodium valproate may affect your fertility and pregnancy plans."