Valproic acid test

What are the other names for this test?

Sodium Valproate acid, Divalproex sodium

What is a valproic acid test?

A valproic acid test determines the amount of valproic acid in your blood. Valproic acid helps to maintain the balance of specific natural substances (such as neurotransmitters) in your brain. This test shows drug toxicity levels during and after the treatment. A valproic acid test helps prevent migraine headaches, but this does not eliminate headaches that have already started. Valproic acid is a medication that helps to treat the following specific conditions.

Seizure disorders - It disturbs the ability of your brain to transfer signals and observe the activity of the nerve. These disorders may result in mental diseases or conditions because of disconnection issues from the nerve cells to the brain.
Bipolar disorder - A condition of mental or mood swings. It is a disorder in which a person experiences cycles of depression, anxiety, and mania.
Migraine headaches - A headache leads to severe pain or sensation on one side of your pain.
High or low levels of valproic acid may indicate repeated symptoms.
 
When do I need to take a valproic acid test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have a low or high valproic acid concentration in the blood. You may also need to book a valproic acid test by online order if you see signs and symptoms, including
 

• High fever
• A brain tumor
• Changes in vision, smell, and taste
• Metabolic disorders (genetic conditions that lead to problems in the metabolism of the body)
• Head trauma (brain injury due to an accident or low oxygen supply during birth)
• Changes in concentration or consciousness
• Severe infections

What is the procedure for this test?

A valproic acid test is a blood test that has the following steps of the procedure:
 

• Visit the laboratory after placing an online order for this test.
• Remove the portion of your cloth from the arm.
• A small needle will inject into a vein in your arm.
• A small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube.
• Blood samples will be stored in the laboratory for examination of an allergy.
• You can go home for regular activities.
• This test usually takes at least five minutes.

How do I need to prepare for this test?

You do not need specific preparation for the valproic acid. You can inform your provider about medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. These medicines include prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products. If your provider asks for additional blood tests, you may need to fast for at least several hours. Do not skip any medication you are taking without consent from a doctor.

What special instructions do I need to follow before taking valproic acid?

Following are the instructions you may need before the intake of valproic acid:
 

• Inform your provider if you are allergic to valproic acid and any of the substances in the valproic acid. You can take the list of substances present in this medication.
• Talk with your doctor if you have confusion or lose the ability to think and understand, specifically during pregnancy, HIV, coma (loss of consciousness for a long time), and other conditions.
• During breastfeeding
• Having surgery such as dental surgery
• Usage of alcohol
• You will feel less to drink or eat, specifically when you are old.
• Your mental health may change in unusual ways, and you may have suicidal thoughts when you use valproic acid for mental illness or other diseases.

What do the valproic acid test results indicate?

The test results may vary on gender, age, medical history, and other factors. The valproic acid test results may differ slightly among laboratories. It is because each lab may use different techniques or methods for measurements. The test results may be received within 1-2 days.

The recommended values of valproic acid test results lie between 50-125 ug/mL (micrograms per milliliter) for both males and females. The high or toxic valproic acid levels lie above 150 ug/mL.

If the valproic acid level is in the recommended range, and you do not experience repeated seizures, migraines, or swings in the mood, and no side effects, you are taking a suitable dosage.

How to take Valproic acid?

Valproic acid is a capsule or tablet and is also available in the form of syrups. You need to take this medication with the guidelines provided by your doctor. The daily dosage depends on age, weight, medical history, response to treatment, and medical drugs you use. You may need to follow these steps, such as
 

• Inhale or swallow the capsule whole without crushing it in the mouth.
• Use valproic acid daily at the exact time
• Do not stop this medication if you are using it for seizures.
• If you avoid suddenly taking the drug, your health conditions may be disturbed.
• The daily dose may need to decrease over time.
•  You may need to inform your provider if you do not see any improvement in your health conditions.

What are the side effects of valproic acid?

You can inform your provider if you see the following symptoms caused by the side effects of valproic acid.
 

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Changes in the body weight
• Pain in the back
• Diarrhea (a condition of loose, watery, increased bowel movements)
• Headache
• Difficulty to sleep
• Blurry vision
• Losing hair
• Confusion or abnormal thinking
• Swings in the mood
• Changes in appetite
• Uncontrollable movements of eyes and body parts
• Difficulty to walk
• Ringing in ears

Some side effects of valproic acid may become severe to your health. You can request an online consultation with a doctor if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:
 

• Unexpected bleeding
• Bruising
• Difficulty in breath
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Tiredness
• Red spots on the skin
• Swelling in the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
• Rash
• Weakness or swelling in the joints.
• Reduction in temperature of the body.
• Swelling in the glands.

You may need to inform your provider if you see any health-related problems while using valproic acid.

What factors may affect the test results?

You need to take valproic acid with the recommendation of your doctor. High or low dosages may change the test results and may show seizures and other side effects. Consult here with a healthcare professional to review your valproic acid test results.

What additional tests may I need to take along with this test?

Your doctor may use other tests, including specific antiepileptic drugs, phenytoin, or Phenobarbital with this test.