Regular exercise will also help you keep your weight stable. If you tend to gain weight be assured that you will gain more on depakote. In October of 2007 I had a series of seziures. Weight gain can be especially frustrating for people with type 2 diabetes who were already overweight. The impetus of the membership remains research-based academic surgery, and to promote the shared vision of research and academic pursuits through the exchange of ideas between senior surgical residents, junior faculty and established academic In clinical trials, less than 5 percent of those taking Lamictal gained weight. Tools. weight gain weight loss Less common. Weight gain during valproate treatment can be observed within the first 3 months of therapy and women seem to be more susceptible than men. Pediatric Neurology publishes timely peer-reviewed clinical and research articles covering all aspects of the developing nervous system.Pediatric Neurology features up-to-the-minute publication of the latest advances in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pediatric neurologic disorders. Learn about the potential side effects of valproic acid. Chlorpromazine also reduces phenytoin levels and increases valproic acid levels. Valproate, weight gain and carbohydrate craving: a gender study. Valproic acid was tested in no fewer than five Phase I/II clinical trials (NCT00374075, NCT00227266, NCT00481013, NCT00661453, though weight gain was noted. Epival/Depakot/Valproic Acid - Weight Gain Submitted by randres on Thu, 2010-01-28 - 15:24. CA. Aim of the present study was to compare the effect of chronic VPA treatment in wild type (WT) Jaundice. Teratogenicity. related phenomena quite specific to VPA include weight gain (4), tremor, skin rash, and hair loss (alopecia), and do not usually abate with continued treatment, but may VPA, valproic acid. This research was undertaken to determine the incidence and predictors of weight gain in older children and teens treated with valproate for epilepsy. The mechanism through which valproic acid may induce a weight gain is still controversial. Valproic acid ; In recent years, prenatal exposure to valproate has been associated with teratogenic effects, limiting its use in women that are pregnant or of childbearing age. However, head-to-head studies indicate that 1 very important adverse effectweight gainis greater with valproate than with lithium, 2020, under the title "Valproic Acid: Its Role in Bipolar Disorder," and has since been updated. Hyperammonemia. Similarities in the weight change of monozygotic twins receiving VPA strongly suggests that genetic factors are involved in this effect. Weight gain has been recognized as a common adverse effect of valproic acid (VPA) that leads to discontinuation in some patients but its incidence and correlates have been rarely studied. constipation, depression, fever, nystagmus disorder, peripheral edema, weight gain, and weight loss. (valproic acid + haloperidol). Chiarelli F. Weight gain following treatment with valproic acid: pathogenic mechanisms and clinical implications. A fatty acid with anticonvulsant properties used in the treatment of epilepsy. Various side effects include: hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and vision problems. Straight-chain fatty acid: 3: 1.19: 0.84: 3.74.9 More importantly, plasma levels of carnitine dropped precipitously in some patients, which exacerbated motor symptoms. The common, but not inevitable, side effect of weight gain from some medications for bipolar disorder is no reason to avoid treatment. Change in weight, EI and PA did not differ by group. Active Ingredients. Seventy-nine percent remained in the same body mass index category, and 14% moved Noai, Soraoka, Kajiwara, et al. noted that valproic acid (VPA) is understood to cause weight gain in a subset of patients as an adverse reaction. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. I have to say - I completely agree with shannon. Includes: pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, interactions and adverse reactions. DL. Its name is derived from the Latin carnus or flesh, as the compound was isolated from meat. A fatty acid with anticonvulsant properties used in the treatment of epilepsy. Use Caution/Monitor. This research was undertaken to determine the incidence and predictors of weight gain in older children and teens treated with valproate for epilepsy. Author links open overlay panel Patricio S. Espinosa MD, MPH Juan Carlos Salazar PhD Lei Yu MS Marta S. Mendiondo PhD William C. Robertson MD Robert J. Baumann MD Patricio S. Espinosa MD, MPH Juan Carlos Salazar PhD Lei Yu MS Marta S. Mendiondo PhD William C. Robertson MD Medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants. Valproic acid weight gain Valproic acid (VPA) is gaining increasing acceptance as a first-line drug it is less sedating than other anticonvulsants. Patients below or within normal range body mass index prior to the start of VPA experienced the most severe percentage weight gain. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Valproic acid and have Weight loss. Professional guide for Valproic Acid and Derivatives. Do not stop taking these drugs suddenly or change the dose without also talking with your provider. Depakote (valproic acid) Depakote is used to treat bipolar disorder and seizures, and prevent migraines. That risk decreases the older a child gets. 31. Weight gain; Drug dependence ; Phenobarbital and derivatives: Birth defects; Memory loss; Depression; Phenytoin (Dilantin): Body hair growth; Birth defects; Conversely, valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote) use in children under two should be avoided, as there is a heightened risk of liver failure. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 plays a role in the biotransformation of clinically relevant drugs as well as endogenous compounds, including sex hormones, which are known to be modulators of food intake and energy balance in humans. Within group analyses indicated that the VPA group increased PA, hunger, binge eating, depression and GLP-1. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office. This corresponded to a 30 kg weight gain over a period of 15 months. Various side effects include: hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and vision problems. Obes Rev. The aim of the study was to evaluate the weight gain of a pediatric population with epilepsy. Once payment is received, your registration will be completed and a registration confirmation e-mail will be sent. It is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid and a branched-chain fatty acid. Lack of Valproic Acid-Associated Weight Gain in Prepubertal Children. Weight gain is also possible. Mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). Weight gain in children due to valproate is a major concern in the treatment of epilepsy. CA. All of these medications are known to increase the risk of weight gain Five patients, all in the > 10% weight gain group, stopped taking VPA because of weight gain. About the Societies. First you might loose weight then later when your body gets used to it you'll start and keep gaining it unless you go on a strict diet and vigorous exercise routine. Carnitine, derived from an amino acid, is found in nearly all cells of the body. It has a role as an anticonvulsant, a GABA agent, an EC 3.5.1.98 (histone deacetylase) inhibitor, a teratogenic agent, a psychotropic drug, a neuroprotective agent and an antimanic drug. Weight gain during valproate treatment can be observed within the rst 3 months of therapy and women seem to be more susceptible than men. The potentially debilitating side effects are reasons people typically end up withdrawing from this medication. Anorexia. High Blood Pressure Medication and Weight Gain, Some beta blockers, particularly the older ones, such as atenolol (Tenormin, Blokium, atenol) and metoprolol mepressor, merol, Toprol-XL) could cause an average weight gain of about 5 lbs. Our Impact Factor has been continuously increasing over the past eleven years that I have been serving at the helm, and is now at 13.934, placing the journal amongst the top 4% of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism Valproic Acid; Additional Drug Brands and Names. Weight gain amounts varying between a few kg to an increase of 10% or more of initial body weight have been described. Social Media Events 32. Weight gain affects 30% to 50% of people who take valproic acid. The VPA group increased fast food fats cravings and decreased glucose levels compared with placebo. Valproic acid (VPA) steady state plasma concentrations (Css) in epilepsy patients who gained (weight gained 7%) and did not gain weight (weight gained <7%; n = 212). Valproic acid is a drug that is used primarily to control certain seizures by lessening their severity and frequency. Additionally it may lead a person to gain weight and cause memory problems. Hepatotoxicity may be due to a toxic catabolite (4-en VPA). Patients should be warned of the risk of weight gain at the initiation of therapy and appropriate strategies should be adopted to minimise it (see section 4.8). The doctor put me on Dilantin and I had such an adverse reaction I was admited to the hospital for a week. It is often considered to be a good alternative to the medication valproic acid which is well known to cause weight gain. El-Khatib F, Rauchenzauner M, Lechleitner M, et al. Side effects of lamotrigine may include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Speak to them if you have any concerns. (6.3 kg). There are many commonly used medications that cause weight gain. 126-129. Carnitine is the generic term for a number of compounds that include L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and propionyl-L-carnitine [1,2].Carnitine plays a critical role in energy production. Fatigue (9.2%), weight gain (5.0%), asthenia (1.1%). This research was undertaken to determine the incidence and predictors of weight gain in older children and teens treated with valproate for epilepsy. Unusual weight gain or loss; Tremors; Blurred or double vision, uncontrolled eye movements; Mood swings; Unusual bruising and bleeding; Hives; Hair loss; Ringing in the ears; Jaundice. Weight gain has been recognized as a common adverse effect of valproic acid (VPA) that leads to discontinuation in some patients but its incidence and correlates have been rarely studied. The potentially debilitating side effects are reasons people typically end up withdrawing from this medication. quick to react or overreact emotionally rapid weight gain rapidly changing moods runny nose sense of detachment from self or body shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet shivering sleepiness or unusual drowsiness sore throat sweating tightness in the chest tingling of the hands or feet trembling or shaking of the hands or feet weight gain if you find you're putting on weight after taking valproic acid, try to have a healthy balanced diet. Pediatric Neurology, 28 (2003), pp. Weight gain affects 30% to 50% of people who take valproic acid. No symptoms are apparent, but the doctor may want to watch for later problems, perhaps related to weight gain. Weight gain is an adverse effect of valproic acid. The highest maximum weight gain observed was 54% of initial body weight for VPA. Valproic Acid Related Weight Increased. We attempted to investigate the influence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on valproic acid (VPA)-induced weight gain. Valproic acid (Depakene). Analyses of patients who gained weight during VPA-therapy revealed significantly higher serum leptin concentrations in women than in men ( p < 0.001). Weight gain during valproate treatment can be observed within the first 3 months of therapy and women seem to be more susceptible than men. (10 kg) in 20% of lithium users, and the second reported weight gain of 88 lbs. a p < 0.05, bp < 0.01, cp < 0.001. valproic acid (Depacon, Depakote, Stavzor) Toxic side effects caused by the drug valproic acid . Factors that influence Depakote (Valproic acid) withdrawal NOTE: You selected the 'Send Payment' option for your registration. First you might loose weight then later when your body gets used to it you'll start and keep gaining it unless you go on a strict diet and vigorous exercise routine. Liver problems; Low platelets. This may be due to a decrease in methionine levels, according to a study published in March 2001. Mild-to-moderate weight gain was observed in 58% of the 43 subjects treated with valproate and two factors tended to predict an increase in body mass index: normal neurocognitive status and primary generalized seizure type. Fractures. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. valproic acid will increase the level or effect of midazolam intranasal by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Weight gain Weight loss Anxiety Flu-like signs Hair loss. Valproate (VPA) and its valproic acid, sodium valproate, and valproate semisodium forms are medications primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder and prevent migraine headaches. +0. valproic acid therapy and weight gain. A teratology study conducted in rabbits found that a dose of 150 mg/kg/day caused cleft palate in 2% of pups and a dose of 200 mg/kg/day caused it in 9%. Patients should be warned of the risk of weight gain at the initiation of therapy and appropriate strategies should be adopted to minimise it (see section 4.8). Reports are from official medical reports as well as online extractions from user reviews and forum discussions. Background Genomics enables individualized diagnosis and treatment, but large challenges remain to functionally interpret rare variants. Factors that influence Depakote (Valproic acid) withdrawal Gene expression profiles of murine fatty liver induced by the administration of valproic acid, (2007) by M-H Lee, I Hong, M Kim Venue: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Add To MetaCart. Significant weight gain was seen during VPA-therapy in both genders (each p < 0.001) with women experiencing increment of weight more frequently and more pronounced than did men. If you take Lamictal and have gained weight, the weight gain may be It is more common in adult women but can affect anyone. Valproic Acid and Weight Gain. Phenobarbital is used off label and given by mouth or as an injection to treat seizures or to sedate your pet. changes in appetite, weight gain. Osteoporosis. In the last years, a growing body of literature indicates an association between valproic acid therapy and weight gain. certain medications, such as valproic acid or estrogen; certain genetic disorders; And these extra calories may actually cause weight Methods: BACKGROUND: Weight gain is the most frequent adverse effect of valproic acid (VPA) treatment, resulting in poor compliance and many endocrine disturbances. Do not use this medication in pets with liver, lung, or kidney disease or those that are allergic to barbiturates. PHARMACOLOGICAL BASIS OF PSYCHOTROPIC-INDUCED WEIGHT GAIN. DL. changes in appetite, weight gain. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Valproic acid and have Weight loss. The Association for Academic Surgery is widely recognized as an inclusive surgical organization. Mild-to-moderate weight gain was observed in 58% of the 43 subjects treated with valproate (median increase, 2; twenty-fifth to seventy-fifth percentile, 1-6.4). The nurse should monitor the client for jaundice and report any indication to the provider. Heres how you know Additionally it may lead a person to gain weight and cause memory problems. Methods: tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Acute pancreatitis (may be life-threatening) Hepatic toxicity. The assessment of UGT1A6 polymorphism and valproic acid-induced weight gain among PWE did not show significant differences in weight gain between UGT1A6 wild type (*1/*1) and UGT1A6 hetero or homozygous (*1/*2 or *2/*2) genotypes. Even though valproate is available in different names, strengths, and formulations, all provide the same active medicine. Browse . Seventy-nine percent remained in the same body mass index category, and 14% moved up to a potentially overweight or overweight category. For this reason, researchers concluded that valproate causes weight gain in children, and that risk and/or magnitude of weight gain may be greater among children who are overweight/obese at the start of treatment. 1997: Weight gain in epileptic patients during treatment with valproic acid: a retrospective study. Other Drugs Causing Weight Gain. Subjects who were 10 to 17 years of age, who began valproate treatment between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2000, and who had documented weight and height measurements at medication initiation and at least one follow-up Also, taking L-carnitine might help with weight loss and improving blood sugar levels. However I have gained weight. Often accompanying this weight gain are worsened health risks, including an increased incidence of the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiovascular risk factors. On depakote for 3 years. A weight gain of more than 4 kg in 70% of the VPA group was observed. Clinically significant weight gain occurred in 64.3% of valproic acid + aripiprazole users and in 28.6% of valproic acid + haloperidol users. Toggle navigation. Science topic Valproic Acid. The amount of weight gained may vary depending on the patient and type of medication. Weight loss. Results for McNemar chi-square tests were similar. I'm a 33 year old female no children. Methods Commonly reported side effects of valproic acid include: congenital anomalies, infection, abdominal pain, asthenia, drowsiness, nausea, tremor, vomiting, alopecia, diarrhea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, thrombocytopenia, and anorexia. Valproic Acid (Valproate) has been used for over 30 years as a first line treatment for epilepsy. : 3 PC: 3DSVita Objective: To compare the incidence and magnitude of change in body weight associated with lamotrigine or divalproex sodium monotherapy in patients with epilepsy. Physician reviewed valproic acid patient information - includes valproic acid description, dosage and directions. Results indicated that the average weight gain among participants was: 9.65 lbs. CiteSeerX - Document Details (Isaac Councill, Lee Giles, Pradeep Teregowda): Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug whose use is often associated with drug-induced weight gain. 2011;12(5):e-32-43. An official website of the United States government. Weight gain is one of the most common and difficult side effects of many of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder and other psychiatric illness. The mechanism through which valproic acid may induce a weight gain is still controversial. Weight gain: Valproate very commonly causes weight gain, which may be marked and progressive. Speak to them if you have any concerns. For the Consumer. Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Valproic acid, Carbamazepine, Divalproex; Opioids: All opioids may decreased metabolic rate and exercise tolerance; Anti-hypertensive: Valproic acid is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid that comprises of a propyl substituent on a pentanoic acid stem. Methods: A randomized, double-blind study with 8-week escalation phase and 24-week maintenance phase was conducted. Valproic Acid and Weight Gain. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Various side effects include: hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and vision problems. Includes common and rare side effects information for consumers and healthcare professionals. Weight gain. If you breast-feed during your treatment, your baby may receive some primidone in the breast milk. Mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). +0. Common side effects of valproic acid may include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea; dizziness, drowsiness, weakness; headache; tremors, problems with walking or coordination; blurred vision, double vision; hair loss; or. A few children who take valproic acid seem to become more irritable but this is seldom a serious problem. Valproic (val PROE ik) acid; Note: Throughout this fact sheet, the medication will be referred to as valproate. It is more common in adult women but can affect anyone. Weight loss is found among people who take Valproic acid, especially for people who are male, 30-39 old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 2 years. Dear Friends and Colleagues, As Editor-in-Chief of Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental, I'm happy to share great news about the journal. Science topic Valproic Acid. Typical adult dose is 250 mg - 500 mg three times a day, but dose can be higher. The LA/VP weight gain ratio from rat experiments is not unitary for testosterone (typically 0.30.4), but it is normalized for presentation purposes, and used as basis of comparison for other AAS, which have their androgenic:anabolic ratios scaled accordingly (as shown in the table above). The scope of this paper is to investigate the Study #3: Coxhead, Silverstone, and Cookson (1992) documented an average weight gain of 81 lbs. Some drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes can lead to weight gain and fluid retention. The first study reported weight gain of 22 lbs. Lamotrigine appears to work by stabilizing neural membranes and slowing release neurotransmitters in some areas of the brain. Regular exercise will also help you keep your weight stable. Valproic acid ; Their side effects include: Itching and rashes; Thirst and frequent peeing; The genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of KIS has yet to be described and the precise mechanism of disease fully understood. Official FDA Reports 391. weight gain if you find you're putting on weight after taking valproic acid, try to have a healthy balanced diet. Pregnancy. This website uses cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience. Summary of the potential metabolic and endocrine effects of valproic acid chronic treatment. Dyslipidemia, hyper-Hcy high uric acid level gain. IR: insulin resistance; VPA: valproic acid; FFA: free fatty acids; NAFLD: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Hcy: homocysteine. Tremor, gastrointestinal upset, and weight gain are frequently observed reversible hair loss is a rarer occurrence. No symptoms are apparent, but the doctor may want to watch for later problems, perhaps related to weight gain. Resulting In 14lb Weight Gain; Went From 110 To 168 Lbs; Went From 110 To 230 Pounds; Put 100 Pounds On Me; Put On Maybe 14lbs ; Went From 126 To 142; Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods burning, dry, or itching eyes change in taste or bad unusual or unpleasant (after) taste coin-shaped lesions on the skin cough producing mucus cramps dandruff discharge or excessive tearing dry skin earache excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels Factors that influence Depakote (Valproic acid) withdrawal Certain oral medications for type 2 diabetes, such as glyburide (DiaBeta), glimepiride and glipizide , members of the sulfonylurea class, can lead to weight gain. Watch your baby closely for drowsiness or poor weight gain. The weight gain was often sustained and frequently socially significant to the patients. View detailed reports from patients taking sodium valproate who experienced abnormal weight gain. Weight gain: Valproate very commonly causes weight gain, which may be marked and progressive. VALPROIC ACID DOES NOT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN IN THE ELDERLY Abstract number : 2.368 Submission category : For valproic acid, the linear mixed model detected no gain in body mass index z-scores over time (T = 0.25, DF = 17.3, P = 0.80), though it detected a significant gain in body mass index z-scores for carbamazepine (T = 2.32, DF = 36.7, P = 0.02). Carsmateos 8 Jan 2018. ABSTRACT: Background: Weight gain has been recognized as a common adverse effect of valproic acid (VPA) that leads to discontinuation in some patients but its incidence and correlates have been weight gain was 4.9 kg 0.92 kg (range 3.1-6.5 kg) and in the marked weight gain group the mean weight gain was 11.4 kg if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking primidone. The bulk of work examining the weight gain side effects associated with olanzapine has focused on schizophrenia, and a 2009 meta-analysis by Leucht et al 7 concluded that olanzapine was associated with 3.3-kg more weight gain when compared with haloperidol monotherapy (95% CI, 2.24.4, P < .001) in 9 studies on patients with schizophrenia. SODIUM VALPROATE VERSUS BIOTINIDASE 1361 The journal's editor, Yasmin Khakoo, MD, FAAN, in conjunction with the Bradycardia. Depakote (valproic acid) Depakote is used to treat bipolar disorder and seizures, and prevent migraines. Valproic acid ; Common side effects include weight gain or weight loss, upset stomach, loss of appetite, skin rashes, drowsiness or feeling confused, depression, and headaches. A study of 100 children on valproic acid that included both younger and teenage children, and that used weight-velocity growth charts, found excessive weight gain . See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. BACKGROUND: Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug, used for focal and generalized seizure. I was diagnosed with Absence epilepsy when I was around 12 and went through many different drugs until they found one I could stay awake and remain coherent on. Weight gain; Diarrhea or abdominal pain; Rare/serious side effects. In the last years, a growing body of literature indicates an association between valproic acid therapy and weight gain. Weight is the force generated by the gravitational attraction of the earth on the airplane. If you tend to gain weight be assured that you will gain more on depakote. Researchers Ness-Abram and Apovian (2005) proposed that adjunct use of metformin may help counteract weight gain from valproic acid. Any medications and/or supplements that enhance appetite control and/or metabolic rate could be considered. Weight loss is found among people who take Valproic acid, especially for people who are male, 30-39 old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 2 years. Treatment with VPA has been shown to upregulate Wfs1 expression in vitro. Clientswho take valproic acid are at risk for liver damage, which can lead to jaundice. GI: Nausea, vomiting, indigestion (transient), hypersalivation, anorexia with weight loss, increased appetite with weight gain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, liver failure, isoniazid may increase valproic acid levels and hepatotoxicity; meropenem may decrease valproic acid levels; cholestyramine may decrease absorption. VPA treatment resulted in significant weight gain but there are no systematic data about the prevalence of this side effect. I have always been in good health. Weight significantly increased in the VPA group (+0.49 kg), but not the placebo group. 22. Weight gain (4%) Frequency Not Defined. Target maintenance dosage was 200 mg/day (lamotrigine) and 20 mg/kg/day Reviewed Trileptal on 6/22/2017 I took it for emotional balance without weight gain Compare trileptal (oxcarbazepine) 600 mg prices from verified online pharmacies or local U Increase by 1 mg/kg twice daily (2 mg/kg/day) every week To the contrary, many studies have shown significant weight gain following valproate (VPA) treatment You can find out a Do not take these drugs unless you are under a provider's care. Weight gain is a well-known adverse effect of VPA treatment, Valproic acid-associated weight gain in older children and teens with epilepsy. Carnitine: What is it? Everyone is different and reacts differently. The potentially debilitating side effects are reasons people typically end up withdrawing from this medication. Mild-to-moderate weight gain was observed in 58% of the 43 subjects treated with valproate (median increase, 2; twenty-fifth to seventy-fifth percentile, 1-6.4). To date, only one causative variant has been described for KCNK9 imprinting syndrome (KIS). All of these medications are known to increase the risk of weight gain except lamotrigine. #1 Lithium and Valproic Acid weight gain July 6, 2018, 12:08 PM Hi, I've been struggling with Bipolar II for most of my life I gather but wasn't finally diagnosed by a Psychiatrist until 2 years ago. Weight gain during valproate treatment can be observed within the first 3 months of therapy and women seem to be more susceptible than men. Weight Gain and Valproic Acid. Her BMI prior to the start of VPA ther apy was within the normal range (i.e., BMI < 25). changes in appetite, weight gain. Gain of weight may be observed in up to 20% of patients treated with valproic acid, while changes in hair texture may be found in up to 9%. The mechanism through which valproic acid may induce a weight gain is still controversial. Last year I was in the Psych ward for a month and during that time my Psychiatrist changed my meds a few times. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. One of the common side effects of many of the newer antipsychotics is weight gain. Carsmateos 8 Jan 2018. Your doctor will usually monitor your weight while you're taking this medicine. A few children who take valproic acid seem to become more irritable but this is seldom a serious problem. valproic acid (Depakote): VPA has significant side effects: weight gain, tremor, hair loss, GI upset, blood count decreases, hepatic or pancreatic injury, bone weakness over time (osteoporosis), birth defects in up to 10% (folic acid can help to prevent them).