A patient recently diagnosed with epilepsy is prescribed valproic acid. The nurse should instruct the patient on which common side effects associated with this medication?

Explanation

• Common side effects of valproic acid include nausea/vomiting, hair loss, tremors, vertigo, fatigue, and thrombocytopenia 

• Less common side effects include weight gain, edema, acne, hyperammonemia, hallucinations, liver failure, and encephalopathy

• Valproic acid is used in the treatment of seizures and bipolar disorder

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