Sodium valproate should not be routinely prescribed for women, say medics

Epilepsy Society: Senior medics have warned that the epilepsy drug sodium valproate should not be prescribed to women with epilepsy who are of child bearing age, unless there has been a full discussion of the potential risks and benefits to the woman and any future unborn child. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has named the controversial drug as one of 40 common treatments for a range of ailments, that should not be routinely prescribed.