Most common adverse effects include: * Nausea (22%) * Drowsiness (19%) * Dizziness (12%) * Vomiting (12%) * Weakness (10%) Serious adverse effects include: * Bleeding * Low blood platelets * Encephalopathy * Suicidal behavior and thoughts * Low body temperature<unk> proic acid has a black box warning for hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, and fetal abnormalities. It is worthy of mentioning that some adverse effects related to<unk> proic acid may be dose-dependent such as pancytopenia. There is evidence that<unk> proic acid may cause premature growth plate ossification in children and adolescents, resulting in decreased height.<unk> proic acid can also cause mydriasis, a dilation of the pupils. There is evidence that shows<unk> proic acid may increase the chance of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with epilepsy or bipolar disorder. Studies have shown this risk of PCOS is higher in women with epilepsy compared to those with bipolar disorder. Weight gain is also possible. Pregnancy<unk>  causes birth defects; exposure during pregnancy is associated with about three times as many major abnormalities as usual, mainly spina bifida with the risks being related to the strength of medication used and use of more than one drug. More rarely, with several other defects, including a<unk>  syndrome". Characteristics of this<unk>  syndrome include facial features that tend to evolve with age, including a triangle-shaped forehead, tall forehead with bifrontal narrowing, epicanthic folds, medial deficiency of eyebrows, flat nasal bridge, broad nasal root, anteverted nares, shallow philtrum, long upper lip and thin vermillion borders, thick lower lip and small downturned mouth. While developmental delay is usually associated with altered physical characteristics (dysmorphic features), this is not always the case. Children of mothers taking<unk>  during pregnancy are at risk for lower IQs. Maternal<unk>  use during pregnancy increased the probability of autism in the offspring compared to mothers not taking<unk>  from 1.5% to 4.4%. A 2005 study found rates of autism among children exposed to sodium<unk>  before birth in the cohort studied were 8.9%. The normal incidence for autism in the general population is estimated at about 1 in 44 (2.3%). A 2009 study found that the 3-year-old children of pregnant women taking<unk>  had an IQ nine points lower than that of a well-matched control group. However, further research in older children and adults is needed. Sodium<unk>  has been associated with paroxysmal tonic upgaze of childhood, also known as Ouvrier–Billson syndrome, from childhood or fetal exposure. This condition resolved after discontinuing<unk>  therapy. Women who intend to become pregnant should switch to a different medication if possible or decrease their dose of<unk> . Women who become pregnant while taking<unk>  should be warned that it causes birth defects and cognitive impairment in the newborn, especially at high doses (although<unk>  is sometimes the only drug that can control seizures, and seizures in pregnancy could have worse outcomes for the fetus than exposure to<unk> . Studies have shown that taking folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of congenital neural tube defects. The use of<unk>  for migraine or bipolar disorder during pregnancy is contraindicated in the European Union, and the medicines are not recommended for epilepsy during pregnancy unless there is no other effective treatment available. Elderly<unk>  in elderly people with dementia caused increased sleepiness. More people stopped the medication for this reason. Additional side effects of weight loss and decreased food intake were also associated with one-half of people who become sleepy.
Valproate
Tiagabine
Retigabine
Lamotrigine
Felbamate
Topiramate
Mesuximide
Primidone