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A 32-year-old man with bipolar I disorder has been euthymic for three years on sodium valproate 1200 mg daily, after two manic admissions in his twenties. At a routine review he mentions that he and his wife have stopped using contraception and hope to conceive within a few months. He is otherwise well, his liver biochemistry and full blood count are normal, and he reports no adverse effects. He has read the consumer medicine information, which he says is all about women. Which one of the following is the most appropriate advice about his valproate?
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