Prescriptions for topiramate and sodium valproate continue to decline
Date published:
Two monitoring reports published by NISRA statisticians in the Business Services Organisation (BSO), reveal that between April 2019 and September 2025, 4,528 patients were prescribed either topiramate or sodium valproate.
Topiramate is a medication indicated in the UK for the prophylaxis of migraine and for the treatment of epilepsy.
Valproate, also known as sodium valproate, or valproic acid, is a medication used in the UK for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
Sodium valproate and topiramate have been identified by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as having potentially harmful effects if taken during pregnancy or prior to conception.
Key findings
Sodium valproate
- 9 females aged 0-54 years started sodium valproate in July-September 2025. For the same period, 16 males aged 0-54 years started sodium valproate.
- The total number of patients prescribed sodium valproate has decreased from 8,401 in April-September 2019/20 to 6,657 for the same time period in 2025/26.
Topiramate
- 52 females aged 0-54 years started topiramate in July-September 2025. For the same period, 24 males aged 0-54 years started topiramate.
- The total number of patients prescribed topiramate has decreased from 2,477 in April-September 2023/24 to 2,335 for the same time period in 2025/26.
About this publication
These reports, contribute to the monitoring of the effectiveness of actions to ensure safe and appropriate use of prescribed sodium valproate and topiramate in Northern Ireland.
Further information
View the reports and data tables: Sodium Valproate & Topiramate Monitoring