Sodium Valproate-Induced Hyperemesis in a Patient Post-Bariatric Surgery

Keywords

Sodium valproate, gastric sleeve, adverse drug reactions, pharmacokinetic

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

Long-term treatment of patients with medications is associated with adverse drug reactions and continues to be a challenge. Sodium valproate is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy. It can induce adverse gastrointestinal effects, and its absorption may vary depending on the excipient used. In this case study, a middle-aged woman with a history of bipolar disorder developed hyperemesis after the use of a generic sodium valproate formulation. The patient had undergone gastric sleeve surgery 3 years ago and lost weight. Using generic formulation of sodium valproate stimulated vomiting 3 years after the patient had been tolerating the branded medication. Her symptoms resolved 3 weeks after switching back to the branded formulation. This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring therapeutic drugs and prescription consistency, as well as of taking precautions while rotating formulations to ensure drug tolerance and efficiency in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery patients.

Recommended Citation

Alsubhi, Mohammed; Alharb, Khalid; and Alrehaili, Bandar (2025) "Sodium Valproate-Induced Hyperemesis in a Patient Post-Bariatric Surgery," Saudi Toxicology Journal: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2025.2.4
Available at: https://stj.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2/iss2/4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2025.2.4

Subject Area

Clinical Toxicology