A study, which was presented during the RANZCP 2024 New Zealand Conference in September, found that adherence to guidelines for the prescription of sodium valproate to women of childbearing potential was suboptimal. As a result, the Practice, Policy and Partnerships Committee is considering whether further guidelines or information should be provided to members on this matter. 

In August 2022, the College endorsed the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) Position Statement 04/18: Withdrawal of, and alternatives to, valproate-containing medicines in girls and women of childbearing potential who have psychiatric illness. 

Psychiatrists are reminded that valproate use during pregnancy should be aligned with recommendations outlined by the RCPsych. Sodium valproate should not be prescribed to women and girls of child-bearing age, or without a Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive agent. Women and girls should also be required to sign a form acknowledging their understanding of the risks of taking sodium valproate. 

In April 2024 ,the College also published an article on potential risk to children of fathers treated with valproate in response to a specific notification from Sanofi.  

For further information, please refer to Valproate in healthcare webpage, or contact policy@ranzcp.org.