Sodium Valproate (or Epilim as it is also known) is an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of epilepsy, anorexia nervosa, panic attacks, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraine and bipolar disorder.
Like many other drugs, there can be side effects including tiredness, tremors, nausea, vomiting and sedation.
In addition to this, it can cause problems in pregnancy in that Sodium Valproate has the highest risk of birth defects of any of the commonly used anti-epilepsy drugs.
At BLB we are experienced in dealing with claims involving wrongly prescribed Sodium Valporate. In a recent case where we were instructed, a young woman who suffered a serious seizure was rushed into hospital. Whilst in the A & E department she was assessed by a Doctor and asked whether there was any chance she might be pregnant or was trying to conceive. When our client confirmed that she and her husband were trying for a baby she was told that she would be prescribed Epilim once the results of a pregnancy test were known. Unfortunately, due to a breakdown in communication the drugs were dispensed before any test was carried out and shortly after being discharged from hospital our client discovered that she was pregnant. When her daughter was born it was soon discovered that she was suffering from Fetal Valproate Syndrome and had a number of developmental issues as well as learning difficulties.
For a confidential discussion on this subject, please contact David Gazzard on 01793 615011.