The most popular theory is that valproic acid exerts its effects by increasing the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves use to communicate with one another. The FDA approved valproic acid in February, 1978 and divalproex in March 1983. PRESCRIBED FOR: Valproic acid is used for the treatment of seizures, bipolar disorder, and prevention of migraines. Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 9/15/2015. Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
1 Therapeutic nerve blocks are used to treat painful conditions. 2  Such nerve blocks contain local anesthetic that can be used to control acute pain. 3  Diagnostic nerve blocks are used to determine sources of pain. 4  These blocks typically contain an anesthetic with a known duration of relief.
1 Epidural and spinal anesthesia. 2  This is a shot of anesthetic near the spinal cord and the nerves that connect to it. 3  It blocks pain from an entire region of the body, such as the belly, hips, or legs. 4  General anesthesia affects your brain and the rest of your body. Epidural and spinal anesthesia. 2  This is a shot of anesthetic near the spinal cord and the nerves that connect to it. 3  It blocks pain from an entire region of the body, such as the belly, hips, or legs. 4  General anesthesia affects your brain and the rest of your body.