What is a common side effect of sodium valproate?

Sodium valproate, a medication primarily used for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder, often leads to weight gain as a common side effect. This is believed to be due to its impact on appetite regulation and metabolism. Patients may experience increased hunger or changes in body weight that are significant enough to be a concern in long-term treatment.

Weight gain can be an important consideration for healthcare providers when prescribing sodium valproate, as it can affect a patient’s overall health and may lead to non-compliance with therapy due to concerns about body image or additional health issues such as obesity-related conditions. Monitoring a patient’s weight and providing guidance on diet and exercise can be critical components of effective management for those on sodium valproate.

The other options listed are less commonly associated with sodium valproate. For instance, insomnia is not typically a recognized side effect related to this medication, while hypertension is not a known reaction. Severe hallucinations can occur with some medications, but they are not a common issue with sodium valproate and may indicate other underlying conditions or issues. Thus, weight gain stands out as a prevalent and clinically relevant side effect of sodium valproate.