What are the risk of taking Valproate for men?

Valproate can potentially cause:

• Male infertility (may be reversible after treatment is stopped or the dose is
reduced for some patients).

• Toxic effects on the testes (testicles) of animals – it is unclear what this means
for humans.

What does this mean for me?

If you are under 55 years of age, when you next see your specialist team, ask to discuss the benefits and risks of valproate with you.

Do not stop taking valproate unless your specialist tells you to – this is because
your condition may become worse, including an increased risk of seizure in those
being treated for epilepsy and an increased risk of relapse in those treated for
bipolar disorder.

If you are no longer under the care of a specilaist team, then contact us so we can look into this for you. If you have any other queries you are best to wait to talk to your specialist.