VPA

Medical abbreviation · Drug

VPA
Stands forValproic acid
CategoriesMedical

VPA stands for Valproic acid, a drug abbreviation.

Broad-spectrum antiseizure drug and mood stabilizer, also used for migraine prevention. It is given as valproic acid, divalproex sodium (Depakote) or IV valproate, with therapeutic blood levels of roughly 50 to 100 mcg/mL.

Example: VPA level 38; increase divalproex ER to 1,500 mg nightly.

Usage notes

Valproate is one of the most harmful drugs in pregnancy, causing neural tube defects and lower IQ in exposed children, so UK and EU regulators require a pregnancy prevention program. Boxed warnings cover liver failure and pancreatitis. It can raise ammonia levels and causes interactions, notably doubling lamotrigine levels.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.