Mental Health Problems

Must not donate if:
1. Not able to fully understand and consent to the donation process and to the testing of their blood for diseases that may affect its suitability for use.

2. On treatment with sodium valproate or valproic acid.

Communication Difficulties
Valproate and Topiramate

Many people have mental health problems that are controlled with regular medication. Providing individuals are well on the day of donation and have the mental capacity to give full informed consent, there is no reason why they cannot donate whether on medication or not.

Individuals who are over anxious, depressed, manic or psychotic cannot always give valid consent, or fully understand why they are being asked certain questions.

Occasionally donors are on medication such as Clozapine and are under close monitoring. They should be accepted as long as they pass the Hb test.

Link updated from 'Valproate' to 'Valproate and Topiramate' in the 'See if Relevant' section.

If you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue, please contact your National Help Line.

Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers.