Is Weaning Off ValProate Advisable After 4 Years Of Intake?

Posted on Wed, 10 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 26 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : my query to dr vpyk XXXXXXX i am on valproate sodium 200mg bd since 10 years,since the last 4 years i have been seizure free.can i start the drug tapering now,and if yes,how.?thank you.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you can start drug tapering strictly under your doctor's supervision.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I understand your query and concern.

If you are seizure free for 4 years, its the right time to start tapering your drug dose.

The tapering has to be done by reducing the drug amount by 25% over 2 weeks.

This means that you need to reduce your dose by 100 mg/day as the total dose is 400 mg/day.

This accounts to 300 mg/day of valparin sodium.

This has to be divided in 2 daily doses of 100 mg in the morning and 200 mg in the night.

Likewise this protocol to be followed by another 25% over the subsequent 2 weeks.

This protocol will minimize all the drug withdrawal effects.

Please note that all these drug changes/modifications mentioned have to be strictly followed under the medical supervision of your doctor.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari