NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Valproic Acid

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant approved for bipolar mania, epilepsy (multiple seizure types), and migraine prophylaxis. Effective for acute mania and mixed episodes. Carries significant risks including hepatotoxicity, teratogenicity (neural tube defects), pancreatitis, and thrombocytopenia. Contraindicated in pregnancy for psychiatric indications due to high teratogenic risk. Requires serum level monitoring (target 50–125 mcg/mL). Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2020–2025
Interactions
0
Depletes
5 nutrients
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant approved for bipolar mania, epilepsy (multiple seizure types), and migraine prophylaxis. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 500–3000 mg daily in divided doses; titrated to serum levels of 50–125 mcg/mL (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete carnitine, folate, vitamin d. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Acute mania treatment8
  • Seizure control across multiple types8
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Mood stabilization
  • Rapid-cycling bipolar management7
What to watch for
  • Nausea and GI upset
  • Weight gain
  • Tremor
  • Known hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction
  • Known urea cycle disorders

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: acute mania treatment, seizure control across multiple types, migraine prophylaxis. 10 sources indexed (2020–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Multiple mechanisms: increases GABA levels through inhibition of GABA transaminase and enhanced GABA synthesis; blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, reducing repetitive neuronal firing; modulates T-type calcium channels; and inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC), which may contribute to neuroprotective and mood-stabilizing effects.

Class
Mood Stabilizer / Anticonvulsant
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
500–3000 mg daily in divided doses; titrated to serum levels of 50–125 mcg/mL (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Delayed-release tablet, extended-release tablet, capsule, or oral solution

Take with food to reduce GI upset. Delayed-release and extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole. Sprinkle capsules may be opened and sprinkled on soft food.

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Carnitine

Significant

Valproate increases urinary carnitine loss and forms valproylcarnitine, which can deplete carnitine stores and impair mitochondrial beta-oxidation.

Replace Acetyl-L-CarnitineMonitor Plasma free carnitineOnset Can develop within weeks to months

Folate

Moderate

Valproate is associated with lower folate status and altered one-carbon metabolism during chronic therapy.

Replace MethylfolateMonitor Serum folate or RBC folateOnset Usually over months

Vitamin D

Moderate

Chronic valproate use is associated with lower vitamin D status and impaired bone health.

Replace Vitamin D3Monitor 25-OH vitamin DOnset Usually after months of therapy

Calcium

Moderate

Long-term valproate therapy is associated with lower bone mineral density and poorer calcium balance.

Replace CalciumMonitor Serum calcium or bone density trendOnset Usually after months of therapy

Biotin

Mild

Valproate therapy may lower biotin status in susceptible users.

Replace Vitamin B7Monitor Clinical assessmentOnset Usually over months

Full Valproic Acid depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Nausea and GI upset
  • Weight gain
  • Tremor
  • Hair loss
  • Drowsiness
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome features

Contraindications

  • Known hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction
  • Known urea cycle disorders
  • Pregnancy (for psychiatric/migraine indications)
  • Known hypersensitivity to valproic acid1,2
  • Known mitochondrial disorders caused by POLG mutations
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Valproic Acid, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Valproic Acid?

Prescription mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant approved for bipolar mania, epilepsy (multiple seizure types), and migraine prophylaxis. Effective for acute mania and mixed episodes. Carries significant risks including hepatotoxicity, teratogenicity (neural tube defects), pancreatitis, and thrombocytopenia. Contraindicated in pregnancy for psychiatric indications due to high teratogenic risk. Requires serum level monitoring (target 50–125 mcg/mL). Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Valproic Acid used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Valproic Acid include: Acute mania treatment; Seizure control across multiple types; Migraine prophylaxis; Mood stabilization; Rapid-cycling bipolar management. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Valproic Acid?

A typical adult dose of Valproic Acid is 500–3000 mg daily in divided doses; titrated to serum levels of 50–125 mcg/mL (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Delayed-release tablet, extended-release tablet, capsule, or oral solution. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Valproic Acid?

Reported side effects include nausea and gi upset, weight gain, tremor, hair loss, drowsiness, thrombocytopenia. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Valproic Acid?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Valproic Acid in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.