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.
Nerve blocks are used to treat chronic pain when drugs or other treatments do not control pain or cause bad side effects. A test block is usually performed with local anesthetic. If you achieve good pain relief from the local anesthetic, your doctor may inject a nerve block, such as alcohol or phenol.