Sodium valproate and cognitive function

The literature concerning the effects of sodium valproate on cognitive function was reviewed, including both volunteer and patient studies. Two were reported from the National Hospital--one a double-blind crossover investigation against placebo in volunteers, and the other in patients on monotherapy. It was concluded that sodium valproate has minimal adverse effects, although those that are seen are probably dose related. It has less of an effect on cognitive function than some of the other commonly used anticonvulsants.