Question
About half a month after taking antiepileptic medication, the patient experienced fainting symptoms, accompanied by brief loss of consciousness and cognitive impairment. This situation has occurred twice. The patient had previously undergone an EEG examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou, with abnormal results suggesting a possible epilepsy diagnosis. The patient is currently taking Valproic Acid Magnesium Extended-Release Tablets, one tablet per day, taken in the morning and evening.
Answer
Valproic Acid Magnesium Extended-Release Tablets have both antiepileptic and antipsychotic effects. Their antiepileptic effect may be achieved by increasing the metabolism of γ-aminobutyric acid, thereby reducing the level of γ-aminobutyric acid in the brain, providing varying degrees of therapeutic effects for different types of epilepsy. The fainting and loss of consciousness experienced by the patient may be due to side effects of the drug or related to interactions with other medications. Side effects may include nausea, dry heaves, loss of appetite, vomiting, and in rare cases, anorexia, tremors, ataxia, acne, abnormal excitement, and anxiety. Occasionally, allergic skin rashes and thrombocytopenia may occur.