Intravenous Valproate in Neuropsychiatry

Valproic acid (VPA) is administered for a variety of indications in neurology and psychiatry. The intravenous form of VPA, valproate, has been used extensively by neurologists since the 1980s for patients with status epilepticus, as serum levels can be achieved rapidly and telemetry is not required...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pharmacotherapy 2000-01, Vol.20 (1), p.88-92
Main Authors: Norton, John W., Quarles, Emily
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anticonvulsants - administration & dosage
Antimanic Agents - administration & dosage
Biological and medical sciences
Bipolar Disorder - drug therapy
Clinical Trials as Topic
Drug Interactions
Female
Humans
Injections, Intravenous
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Miscellaneous
Multicenter Studies as Topic
Neuropharmacology
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Psychomotor Agitation - drug therapy
Status Epilepticus - drug therapy
Valproic Acid - administration & dosage
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Summary:Valproic acid (VPA) is administered for a variety of indications in neurology and psychiatry. The intravenous form of VPA, valproate, has been used extensively by neurologists since the 1980s for patients with status epilepticus, as serum levels can be achieved rapidly and telemetry is not required during administration. Psychiatrists have less experience with intravenous valproate, and little is documented in the literature regarding its nonepileptic indications. Patients who are unable or unwilling to take drugs orally, or for whom rapid treatment is clinically indicated, may benefit from VPA. Neuroleptics and benzodiazepines often are given parenterally; however, they may be accompanied by side effects. Intravenous valproate was administered successfully to three patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. It is hoped that this report will increase clinicians' awareness of this important and well‐tolerated treatment option.
ISSN:0277-0008
1875-9114
DOI:10.1592/phco.20.1.88.34657