Divalproex sodium adverse effects

The use of tiagabine 4-16 mg/day in preventing migraine has been studied in 41 patients who had failed treatment with divalproex sodium because of adverse effects or lack of efficacy (4). There was at least a 50% reduction in the frequency of migraine headaches in 33 patients. There were adverse events in 12 patients, most commonly tiredness a few patients had weight gain or confusion. 

Valproic acid is available as sodium, magnesium, and calcium salts, as the free acid, and as a coordination compound, valproate semisodium (divalproex sodium), which comprises the sodium salt of valproic acid and free valproic acid in a 1 1 molar ratio. AH share the same active principle (valproic acid) and have virtually identical tolerability, although the formulation influences the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Valpromide (rINN) is a prodrug of valproate, to which it is converted with a half-hfe of less than 1 hour. Valnoctamide (rINN) is an isomer of valpromide. 

Zarate CA Jr, Tohen M, Narendran R, Tomassini EC, McDonald J, Sederer M, Madrid AR. The adverse effect profile and efficacy of divalproex sodium compared with valproic acid a pharmacoepidemiology study. J Clin Psychiatry 1999 60(4) 232-6. 

Wagner PG, Welton SR, Hammond CM. Gastrointestinal adverse effects with divalproex sodium and valproic acid. J Clin Psychiatry 2000 61(4) 302-3. 

Placebo-controlled studies The effect of divalproex sodium for irritability/aggression in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders has been studied in 55 children in a 12-week randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial [312 ]. The only treatment-emergent adverse reaction that caused drug withdrawal was a paradoxical increase in irritability associated with... 

Comparative studies Lamotrigine versus divalproex sodium In a 12-week, doubleblind, randomized, placebo-controlled comparison of lamotrigine and divalproex sodium in 25 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders stabilized on an antipsychotic drug, there were no differences in any outcome measure [143 ]. Very few patients reported adverse effects. Two patients randomized to divalproex sodium and placebo reported depression and suicidal thought or tremors respectively. Two patients (one taking lamotrigine and one... 

In a prospective evaluation of 41 consecutive adult out-patients who were followed for 6 months after switching overnight from immediate-release to extended-release divalproex sodium, seizure frequency and the adverse effects profile did not change significantly after switching drug formulations, but there was a significant subjective improvement in tremor with the extended-release formulation [399 ]. 

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