<unk>  <unk>  and its<unk> proic acid, sodium<unk> , and<unk>  semisodium forms are medications primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder and prevent migraine headaches. They are useful for the prevention of seizures in those with absence seizures, partial seizures, and generalized seizures. They can be given intravenously or by mouth, and the tablet forms exist in both long- and short-acting formulations. Common side effects of<unk>  include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and dry mouth. Serious side effects can include liver failure, and regular monitoring of liver function tests is therefore recommended. Other serious risks include pancreatitis and an increased suicide risk.<unk>  is known to cause serious abnormalities in babies if taken during pregnancy, and is contra-indicated for women of childbearing age unless the drug is essential to their medical condition. As of 2022 the drug was still prescribed in the UK to potentially pregnant women, but use declined by 51% from 2018-19 to 2020-21.<unk> 's precise mechanism of action is unclear. Proposed mechanisms include affecting GABA levels, blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, and inhibiting histone deacetylases.<unk> proic acid is a branched short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) made from<unk> eric acid.<unk>  was first made in 1881 and came into medical use in 1962. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines and is available as a generic medication. In 2019, it was the 114th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 5million prescriptions.
Valproate
Tiagabine
Retigabine
Lamotrigine
Felbamate
Topiramate
Mesuximide
Primidone