Side Effects Of Anticonvulsants

Issues With the Pancreas

A type of anticonvulsant known as divalproex sodium may cause potential issues with the pancreas in children and adults who use it. It is associated with pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that may be life-threatening. Patients taking this medication are more likely to develop pancreatitis if they are male, and the condition appears to be more common in individuals in their forties. Long-term use of divalproex sodium is believed to raise the risk of pancreatitis; it typically occurs in those who have been taking the medication for two to five years, and it has happened in individuals who have taken divalproex sodium for ten years or more as well. Case reports suggest chronic pancreatitis could develop with the use of carbamazepine or phenytoin as well. Symptoms of pancreatitis generally include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal swelling, fever, and abdominal pain that radiates to the back. Since pancreatitis can progress rapidly, patients should seek urgent medical attention if these symptoms occur. Individuals diagnosed with pancreatitis while taking divalproex sodium or another anticonvulsant will need to discontinue taking the medication, and this should be done under medical supervision.