Depakote: profile and news






Name That Episode!  06 Mar 2006
The doctor switched me back to Celexa (20 mg) and added Depakote (250 mg, twice a day). He also ordered me to establish a regular, earlier bedtime. ... - About - News & Issues,

Restless legs or shaky legs: Conditions incongruent  Mar 5, 2006
...the population. Anticonvulsant medications such as valproic acid (Depakote) and gabapentin (Neurontin) can provide some relief. In ... - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette,

Migraine sufferers seek alternative to prescription relief  Feb 22, 2006
The prescription drug Depakote — a powerful drug used to treat seizures and conditions such as bipolar disorder — helped 12-year-old Cody Hodges of ... - Asbury Park Press,

Prescription drug Web site saves consumers money  Feb 26, 2006
The biggest difference in price was $85 for Depakote, a drug used to treat bipolar disorder, epilepsy and migraines, according to the analysis by the state ... - Newsday,

New York Prescription Drug Price Web Site Saves $17 Per ...  Feb 28, 2006
Depakote -- a medication for bipolar disorder, epilepsy and migraines -- had the largest difference in price, $85, among the medications listed on the Web site ... - Kaiser network.org,

Migraine sufferers share their misery in new documentary  Mar 2, 2006
A number of those are on the market, including Topamax and Depakote. • Drugs that stop the migraine's progress, known as abortives. ... - Lansing State Journal,

Man charged with DUI after car hits bike  Mar 2, 2006
...to Solway. A Knox County Sheriff's Department deputy apprehended Lucius, who told officers he had taken Depakote and Xanax. He was ... - Oak Ridger,

HealthWatch: Defeating Menstrual Migraine Attacks  Feb 15, 2006
...prevent menstrual migraines. Botox injections and daily medications like Verelan, Topamax and Depakote can also help. It took a ... - WCBS-TV New York,

Holistic medicine offers hope to people suffering from migraine ...  Feb 15, 2006
The prescription drug Depakote -- a powerful drug used to treat seizures and conditions such as bipolar disorder -- helped 12-year-old Cody Hodges of Nashville ... - Newstarget.com,

Linear Relationship of Valproate Serum Concentration to Response ...  Feb 9, 2006
Bowden CL, Brugger AM, Swann AC, Calabrese JR, Janicak PG, Petty F, Dilsaver SC, Davis JM, Rush AJ, Small JG, et al (Depakote Mania Study Group): Efficacy of ... - Am J Psychiatry (subscription)

Olympic Hockey Goalie Triumphs Over Epilepsy  Feb 9, 2006
Pellock and Gunn both spoke during a telephone press conference sponsored by Abbott Laboratories, the maker of the epilepsy drug Depakote, which Gunn uses. ... - Forbes

Gunn conquers epilepsy to achieve Olympic dream  Feb 17, 2006
She recorded three wins, including two shutouts, en route to the silver medal. Gunn, who takes Depakote four times a day, says she seldom has seizures now. ... - USA Today

Goalie Gunn's Edginess Can Be an Asset on the Ice  Feb 14, 2006
...care of herself. She started taking a drug called Depakote four times a day and the seizures slowed. Northeastern University in ... - Newhouse News Service (NNS)

Teammates’ journey goes beyond Turin  Feb 17, 2006
...seizures that sometimes sap awareness. Gunn controls her condition by taking a medication, Depakote, four times daily. "I had to prove ... - Columbus Dispatch,

ABBOTT LABORATORIES: Settlement reached on Depakote lawsuit  Jan 25, 2006
Abbott Laboratories said it reached an agreement in principle to end a lawsuit over Andrx Corp.'s plan to sell a variation of the epilepsy drug Depakote. ... - Chicago Tribune,

Teva gets tentative FDA OK for Depakote  Jan 12, 2006
...said Wednesday that the Food and Drug Administration granted tentative approval to its generic version of Abbott Laboratories' Depakote tablets. ... - BusinessWeek

Teva gets tentative FDA nod for generic Depakote  Jan 12, 2006
The US Food and Drug Administration gave tentative clearance for Teva's formulation of Abbott's Depakote, pending expiration of Abbott's patent, expected in ... - Reuters

Abbott Reports Record Sales, Earnings and Cash Flow in 2005  Jan 25, 2006
Global vs. Sales 4Q04 World 4Q04 Sales 4Q04 Pharmaceutical Products HUMIRA $282 66.1 $159 54.6 $441 61.8 Depakote $334 9.9 $16 26.1 $350 10.6 TriCor $312 37.5 ... - MSN Money

Abbott reaches deal with Andrx over epilepsy drug lawsuit  Jan 24, 2006
...in principal� with Andrx Corp., a company it was suing to stop it from selling a drug that would compete with its epilepsy and migraine medication Depakote. ... - Crain's Chicago Business,

Alternatives can cure migraines  Jan 9, 2006
The prescription drug Depakote -- a powerful drug used to treat seizures and conditions such as bipolar disorder -- helped 12-year-old Cody Hodges of Nashville ... - Norwich Bulletin,

Happy Pills Don't Make Me Happy  Jan 20, 2006
Wellbutrin, Neurontin, Seroquel, Depakote, Effexor, Inderal, Trileptal, Paxil, Zyprexa, Lamictal, Abilify -- I've taken them all. ... - Bay Area Indymedia,

The Down Side of Popping Pills  Jan 11, 2006
Wellbutrin, Neurontin, Seroquel, Depakote, Effexor, Inderal, Trileptal, Paxil, Zyprexa, Lamictal, Abilify, I've taken them all. ... - AlterNet,

Man's rage on plane tied to mental illness  Jan 24, 2006
He spent three days at University Hospital in Newark, discharge records show, and was prescribed Risperidone and Depakote, antipsychotics used to treat ... - Newark Star Ledger,

9.5% of Americans battle depression  Jan 25, 2006
...suicide. Treatment: Medicines known as mood stabilizers, such as Lithium and Depakote, can help people lead full and productive lives. ... - Charlotte Observer,

The challenges of special education  Jan 28, 2006
They almost immediately began to wean Darren off Concerta, Depakote and Luvox. In January, Debbie contacted RAMP and Perkins began to work with the family. ... - Freeport Journal Standard,

Medicare Woes Take High Toll on Mentally Ill  Jan 21, 2006
...requirements for a month, it was charging high co-payments for some drugs - $52 apiece for Abilify, an anti-psychotic medicine, and Depakote, a mood stabilizer ... - New York Times,

Teva Announces Tentative Approval of Divalproex Sodium Delayed ...  Jan 12, 2006
Upon final approval, Teva's Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release Tablets will be the AB-rated generic equivalent of Abbott's Depakote(R) Tablets. ... - Genetic Engineering News,

US court approves Wyeth-Teva settlement on Effexor  Jan 15, 2006
Upon final approval, Teva's Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release Tablets will be the AB-rated generic equivalent of Abbott's Depakote Tablets. ... - Globes,

Treatment Compliance in Patients With Co-Occurring Mental Illness ...  Jan 23, 2006
...(1998), compliance was significantly associated with treatment with divalproex (Depakote), compared to treatment with combined lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid). ... - Psychiatric Times,

Valproic acid, a common anti-seizure drug, could be effective for ...  Jan 21, 2006
The drug, Valproic acid ( Depakote ), prevents skin disease and reduces the severity of kidney disease in a mouse model of lupus, said Nilamadhab Mishra, at ... - Xagena.it,

Excerpts From Night Falls Fast  Jan 23, 2006
The most commercially successful of these, valproate (Depakote), an anticonvulsant, has now overtaken lithium as the most widely prescribed, and often the ... - Saturday Evening Post,

Young and fearless  Jan 17, 2006
...two months. Hebert takes Depakote, an epilepsy medicine, to treat the seizures, but there's no guarantee another won't occur. He ... - PensacolaNewsJournal.com,

Depakote® ER Approved For Acute Manic Or Mixed Episodes ...  11 Dec 2005
Abbott announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new indication for Depakote® ER (divalproex sodium extended-release tablets ... - Medical News Today (press release),

FDA Approvals: Angiomax, Depakote ER, Hylenex  Dec 8, 2005
The FDA approved in December a new indication for divalproex sodium extended-release tablets (Depakote ER, made by Abbott Laboratories Inc), allowing its use ... - Medscape (subscription)

FDA clears new use for Abbott's Depakote ER  Dec 7, 2005
Laboratories Inc. (ABT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday said US regulators approved a new use for its Depakote ER drug. The ... - Reuters

Abbott's Depakote(R) ER (Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release ...  Dec 7, 2005
7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new indication for Depakote(R) ER ... - PR Newswire (press release),

Abbott's Depakote ER (Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release Tablets) ...  Dec 7, 2005
PARK, IL -- December 6, 2005 -- Abbott announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new indication for Depakote® ER (divalproex ... - DG News

Valproic acid (Depakote) may help treat lupus  Nov 20, 2005
The drug, valproic acid (Depakote), prevents skin disease and reduces the severity of kidney disease in a mouse model of lupus, said Nilamadhab Mishra, MD, a ... - News-Medical.net,

FDA approves new indication for Abbott bi-polar drug  Dec 9, 2005
The FDA has approved a new indication for Abbott's Depakote extended release tablets for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar ... - Pharmaceutical Business Review

Abbott's Depakote ER (Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release Tablets) ...  Dec 7, 2005
December 07, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new indication for Depakote(R) ER ... - PharmaLive.com (press release),

Abbott's Depakote(R) ER (Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release ...  Dec 7, 2005
FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT - News) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new indication for Depakote® ER (divalproex ... - Yahoo! News (press release)

Bipolar disorder not always what you think, doctor says  Dec 8, 2005
The wild moods of bipolar can be evened out and well-controlled by lithium, Depakote or anti-seizure drugs, usually more than one, Macaluso said. ... - Sun-Sentinel.com,

Ailing child faces new hurdles  Dec 5, 2005
Jodi, Sarah has up to 40 seizures a day and is on a host of medications, including Valium and such anti-seizure medications as Depakote, Vigabratin, Keppra and ... - Berkshire Eagle,

Bhagia: Diagnosis key for bipolar patients  Dec 9, 2005
...bipolar disorder since. Now he takes a mood-stabilizing drug called Depakote every day and he says it works well. He sees Bhagia ... - Fairmont Sentinel,

Suits aim to block generic epilepsy drug  Nov 22, 2005
Abbott Laboratories has filed lawsuits to block Mylan Laboratories Inc. from selling a generic version of the epilepsy drug Depakote ER in the US. ... - Chicago Tribune,

With win over epilepsy, goalie aims for Turin berth  Dec 4, 2005
Doctors controlled the epilepsy with four daily doses of a medication called Depakote, but her hockey future remained uncertain. ... - Pioneer Press,

(PRN) - ONStor Wins 'Product of the Year' From Enterprise Systems ...  Dec 7, 2005
...(PRN) - Abbott's Depakote(R) ER (Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release Tablets) Approved for Acute Manic or Mixed Episodes Associated With Bipolar Disorder ... ... - Bolsamania.com,

Cape Girardeau women plead guilty to child endangerment  Dec 5, 2005
Louis. On some occasions, near-toxic levels of Depakote were found in Austin's bloodstream, while at other times levels were too low. ... - Southeast Missourian,

Olympics aren't goalie's only flame  Dec 3, 2005
Her epilepsy was in control with the help of a carefully regulated diet, plenty of rest and the drug Depakote, which sharply limited her seizures. ... - San Jose Mercury News,

Saint Mary's joins search for Alzheimer's drug  Nov 8, 2005
Saint Mary's is one of 37 centers in the nation recruiting Alzheimer's patients for a clinical trial of Valproate, also known as Depakote. ... - MLive.com,

Rx drugs in cop's system are at issue in traffic death trial  Sep 30, 2005
PONTIAC — Prescribed drugs Prozac and Depakote found in Bloomfield Township Officer Gary Davis' body following his death May 13, 2004, in a crash on I-75 ... - Royal Oak Daily Tribune,

Ranbaxy gets tentative nod for anti-convulsion drug  Sep 15, 2005
...tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to sell its version of Abbott Laboratories' anti-convulsion drug Depakote in America. ... - India Infoline.com,

Mentally ill not using safety net  Sep 25, 2005
Health Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts also was able to negotiate last week for Express Scripts to add two mood stabilizers, Lithium and Depakote, to the ... - Nashville City Paper,

Closings reflect trial strategies  Oct 6, 2005
Lustig also contends the prescribed drugs Prozac, for depression, and Depakote, for seizures, found in Davis system affected his actions early that morning. ... - Royal Oak Daily Tribune,

Few mentally ill have health care  Sep 10, 2005
Betts also revealed that two drugs - Depakote and Lithium -- were being added to the list of drugs covered by the state safety net. ... - Jackson Sun,

Teen Dies While Playing Soccer  Sep 29, 2005
Police learned that the victim had meningitis four years ago, and had been taking depakote as a prescription until last August. ... - Southwest News-Herald,

Six mental health drugs join Medicaid preferred-brands list  Sep 12, 2005
...list of preferred drugs. The other drugs added Monday are Depakote ER, Keppra, Lamictal, Trileptal and Zonegran. Officials at the ... - St. Petersburg Times,

Mental health drug list grows  Sep 13, 2005
...list, including Zyprexa. Other prescription drugs added include Depakote ER, Keppra, Lamictal, Trileptal and Zonegran. Eli Lilly ... - Daytona Beach News-Journal,

FDA panel rejects Abbott cancer pill  Sep 14, 2005
...antibiotic Biaxin and thyroid drug Synthroid are losing sales to generic versions, while a similar fate awaits its bipolar disorder drug Depakote in 2008 when ... - Chicago Tribune,

Defendant's drinking record inadmissable at trial  Oct 2, 2005
He also contends Davis' taking Prozac, and anti-depressant, and Depakote, an anti-convulsive, might have contributed to the crash. ... - Royal Oak Daily Tribune,

The Age of Autism: Case Number 88924  Sep 26, 2005
She has also been on depakote (a medication used to treat bipolar disorder) since she was 5 for an abnormal EEG with spikes in her temporal lobe in her third ... - United Press International

Slipping through the safety net?  Oct 2, 2005
Last month, at the urging of providers, the state added two mood stabilizers -- lithium and depakote, which between them can treat around 80 percent of people ... - Knoxville News Sentinel (subscription),

Navigating the safety net  Oct 2, 2005
Earlier this month, the state added two mood-stabilizing drugs, lithium and depakote, to treat bipolar disorder. Copayment is $5 per prescription. ... - Knoxville News Sentinel (subscription),

In Case You Missed "Montel"  Oct 3, 2005
They put him on Adderall, Clonazepam, Clonidine, Depakote, Dexadrine, Imipramine, Mellarel, Neurontin Risperal, Ritalin, Seroquel, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and ... - CounterPunch,

Family copes with mental illness nightmare  Sep 29, 2005
He responded quickly to the anti-psychotic/anti-seizure drug, Depakote. But by then, Bill's parents had faced their worst nightmare. ... - Helena Independent Record,

Behavioral and Pharmacologic Treatment of Aggression in Children ...  Oct 3, 2005
Case reports and a retrospective review have reported on the use of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) or divalproex (Depakote) for aggressive behaviors in youth ... - Psychiatric Times,

Troubled souls stick together on odyssey out of New Orleans  Sep 18, 2005
So they were 16. Victor doled out the next round of medications. Haldol, Seroquel, Depakote, Zoloft, Cogentin, Xanax, Paxil, Cibalith. And about a dozen more. ... - San Jose Mercury News,

Morgan Stanley sends Sensex to 8,146.65  Sep 13, 2005
...drugmaker received tentative approval from the Food and Drug Administration to sell its version of Abbott Laboratories’ anti-convulsion drug Depakote in the ... - Financial Express,

16 men and their meds: an odd love story  Sep 19, 2005
Nobody came. Fruge doled out the next round of medications: Haldol, Seroquel, Depakote, Zoloft, Cogentin, Xanax, Paxil, Cibalith. And about a dozen more. ... - Kentucky.com,

Group-home residents team up to escape disaster  Sep 18, 2005
Fruge doled out the next round of medications -- Cibalith, Cogentin, Depakote, Haldol, Paxil, Seroquel, Xanax, Zoloft and about a dozen more. ... - Richmond Times Dispatch,

State briefs: Mood stabilizers added to safety net program  Sep 10, 2005
...yesterday. The drugs, lithium and depakote, are mood stabilizers used primarily to treat bipolar disorder, state officials said. ... - Fairview Observer,

Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report Highlights News Coverage of ...  Sep 14, 2005
...at the state Agency for Health Care Administration said newly negotiated discounts with manufacturers have allowed them to add Zyprexa, Depakote ER, Keppra ... - Kaiser network.org,

Fla. Medicaid, drug firm reach agreement on antipsychotic drug  Sep 13, 2005
Other drugs added to the preferred list in Monday's announcement were Depakote ER, Keppra, Lamictal, Trileptal and Zonegran, a variety of mental health drugs. - Palm Beach Post,

Disclosing Bipolar Disorder  Sep 15, 2005
The illness can be treated with mood stabilizing drugs, such as lithium, Depakote (a product of Abbot Laboratories (nyse: ABT - news - people )), Zyperxa (a ... - Forbes

Intravenous Valproate Use in Bipolar II Disorder After Gastric ...  Sep 24, 2005
...divalproex vs. lithium and placebo in treatment of mania. The depakote mania study group. JAMA 1994; 271:918–924[Abstract]. Gyulai ... - Journal of Neuropsychiatry (subscription)


Other information


Indication
For treatment and management of Seizure disorders; Mania and Prophylactic treatment of migraine headache

Pharmacology
Divalproex is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat migraine headaches and schizophrenia. In epileptics, Divalproex is used to control absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal), complex partial seizures, and the seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Divalproex is believed to affect the function of the neurotransmitter GABA (as a GABA transaminase inhibitor) in the human brain. Divalproex dissociates to the valproate ion in the gastrointestinal tract.

Mechanism Of Action
Divalproex binds to and inhibits GABA transaminase. The drug's anticonvulsant activity may be related to increased brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, by inhibiting enzymes that catabolize GABA or block the reuptake of GABA into glia and nerve endings. Divalproex may also work by suppressing repetitive neuronal firing through inhibition of voltage-sensitive sodium channels.

Drug Category
Antimanic Agents; GABA Agents; Anticonvulsants; ATC:N03AG

Brand Names/Synonyms
Acetic Acid, Dipropyl-; Convulex; DPA; Depakene; Depakine; Depakote; Depakote Cp; Depakote Er; Depakote Sprinkle; Dipropylacetic Acid; Divalproex; Divalproex Sodium; Epilim; Epival; Ergenyl; Mylproin; N-Dipropylacetic Acid; N-Dpa; Propylvaleric Acid; SEMISODIUM VALPROATE; Valproate Semisodium; Valproic Acid; Valproic Acid Usp; Valproic Acid Usp24

Dosage Forms
TABLET (ENTERIC-COATED)

Absorption
Not Available

Interactions
-->Interactions for Divalproex:

Effects of Co-Administered Drugs on Valproate Clearance

Drugs that affect the level of expression of hepatic enzymes, particularly those that elevate levels of glucuronosyltransferases, may increase the clearance of valproate. For example, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital (or primidone) can double the clearance of valproate. Thus, patients on monotherapy will generally have longer half-lives and higher concentrations than patients receiving poly-therapy with antiepilepsy drugs.

In contrast,drugs that are inhibitors of cytochrome P450 isozymes, e.g., antidepressants, may be expected to have little effect on val-proate clearance because cytochrome P450 microsomal mediated oxidation is a relatively minor secondary metabolic pathway compared to glucuronidation and beta-oxidation.

Because of these changes in valproate clearance, monitoring of valproate and concomitant drug concentrations should be increased whenever enzyme inducing drugs are introduced or withdrawn.

The following list provides information about the potential for an influence of several commonly prescribed medications on valproate pharmacokinetics. The list is not exhaustive nor could it be, since new interactions are continuously being reported.

Drugs for which a potentially important interaction has been observed

Aspirin - A study involving the co-administration of aspirin at antipyretic doses (11 to 16 mg/kg) with valproate to pediatric patients (n=6) revealed a decrease in protein binding and an inhibition of metabolism of valproate. Valproate free fraction was increased 4-fold in the presence of aspirin compared to valproate alone. The ß-oxidation pathway consisting of 2-E-valproic acid, 3-OH-valproic acid, and 3-keto valproic acid was decreased from 25% of total metabolites excreted on valproate alone to 8.3% in the presence of aspirin. Caution should be observed if valproate and aspirin are to be co-administered.

Felbamate - A study involving the co-administration of 1200 mg/day of felbamate with valproate to patients with epilepsy (n=10) revealed an increase in mean valproate peak concentration by 35% (from 86 to 115 µg/mL) compared to valproate alone. Increasing the felbamate dose to 2400 mg/day increased the mean valproate peak concentration to 133 µg/mL (another 16% increase). A decrease in valproate dosage may be necessary when felbamate therapy is initiated.

Meropenem - Subtherapeutic valproic acid levels have been reported when meropenem was coadministered.

Rifampin - A study involving the administration of a single dose of valproate (7 mg/kg) 36 hours after 5 nights of daily dosing with rifampin (600 mg) revealed a 40% increase in the oral clearance of valproate. Valproate dosage adjustment may be necessary when it is co-administered with rifampin.

Drugs for which either no interaction or a likely clinically unimportant interaction has been observed

Antacids - A study involving the co-administration of valproate 500 mg with commonly administered antacids (Maalox, Trisogel, and Titralac - 160 mEq doses) did not reveal any effect on the extent of absorption of valproate.

Chlorpromazine - A study involving the administration of 100 to 300 mg/day of chlorpromazine to schizophrenic patients already receiving valproate (200 mg BID) revealed a 15% increase in trough plasma levels of valproate.

Haloperidol - A study involving the administration of 6 to 10 mg/day of haloperidol to schizophrenic patients already receiving val-proate (200 mg BID) revealed no significant changes in valproate trough plasma levels. Cimetidine and Ranitidine - Cimetidine and ranitidine do not affect the clearance of valproate.

Effects of Valproate on Other Drugs

Valproate has been found to be a weak inhibitor of some P450 isozymes, epoxide hydrase, and glucuronosyltransferases.

The following list provides information about the potential for an influence of valproate co-administration on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of several commonly prescribed medications. The list is not exhaustive, since new interactions are continuously being reported.

Drugs for which a potentially important valproate interaction has been observed

Amitriptyline/Nortriptyline - Administration of a single oral 50 mg dose of amitriptyline to 15 normal volunteers (10 males and 5 females) who received valproate (500 mg BID) resulted in a 21% decrease in plasma clearance of amitriptyline and a 34% decrease in the net clearance of nortriptyline. Rare postmarketing reports of concurrent use of valproate and amitriptyline resulting in an increased amitriptyline level have been received. Concurrent use of valproate and amitriptyline has rarely been associated with toxicity. Monitoring of amitriptyline levels should be considered for patients taking valproate concomitantly with amitriptyline. Consideration should be given to lowering the dose of amitriptyline/nortriptyline in the presence of valproate.

Carbamazepine/carbamazepine-10,11-Epoxide - Serum levels of carbamazepine (CBZ) decreased 17% while that of carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZ-E) increased by 45% upon co-administration of valproate and CBZ to epileptic patients.

Clonazepam - The concomitant use of valproic acid and clonazepam may induce absence status in patients with a history of absence type seizures.

Diazepam - Valproate displaces diazepam from its plasma albumin binding sites and inhibits its metabolism. Co-administration of valproate (1500 mg daily) increased the free fraction of diazepam (10 mg) by 90% in healthy volunteers (n=6). Plasma clearance and volume of distribution for free diazepam were reduced by 25% and 20%, respectively, in the presence of valproate. The elimination half-life of diazepam remained unchanged upon addition of valproate.

Ethosuximide - Valproate inhibits the metabolism of ethosuximide. Administration of a single ethosuximide dose of 500 mg with valproate (800 to 1600 mg/day) to healthy volunteers (n=6) was accompanied by a 25% increase in elimination half-life of ethosux-imide and a 15% decrease in its total clearance as compared to ethosuximide alone. Patients receiving valproate and ethosuximide, espe-cially along with other anticonvulsants, should be monitored for alterations in serum concentrations of both drugs.

Lamotrigine - In a steady-state study involving 10 healthy volunteers, the elimination half-life of lamotrigine increased from 26 to 70 hours with valproate co-administration (a 165% increase). The dose of lamotrigine should be reduced when co-administered with valproate. Serious skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported with concomitant lamotrigine and valproate administration. See lamotrigine package insert for details on lamotrigine dosing with concomitant valproate administration.

Phenobarbital - Valproate was found to inhibit the metabolism of phenobarbital. Co-administration of valproate (250 mg BID for 14 days) with phenobarbital to normal subjects (n=6) resulted in a 50% increase in half-life and a 30% decrease in plasma clearance of phenobarbital (60 mg single-dose). The fraction of phenobarbital dose excreted unchanged increased by 50% in presence of valproate.

There is evidence for severe CNS depression, with or without significant elevations of barbiturate or valproate serum concentrations. All patients receiving concomitant barbiturate therapy should be closely monitored for neurological toxicity. Serum barbiturate concentrations should be obtained, if possible, and the barbiturate dosage decreased, if appropriate.

Primidone, which is metabolized to a barbiturate, may be involved in a similar interaction with valproate.

Phenytoin - Valproate displaces phenytoin from its plasma albumin binding sites and inhibits its hepatic metabolism. Co-administration of valproate (400 mg TID) with phenytoin (250 mg) in normal volunteers (n=7) was associated with a 60% increase in the free fraction of phenytoin. Total plasma clearance and apparent volume of distribution of phenytoin increased 30% in the presence of val-proate. Both the clearance and apparent volume of distribution of free phenytoin were reduced by 25%.

In patients with epilepsy, there have been reports of breakthrough seizures occurring with the combination of valproate and phenytoin. The dosage of phenytoin should be adjusted as required by the clinical situation.

Tolbutamide - From in vitro experiments, the unbound fraction of tolbutamide was increased from 20% to 50% when added to plasma samples taken from patients treated with valproate. The clinical relevance of this displacement is unknown.

Warfarin - In an in vitro study, valproate increased the unbound fraction of warfarin by up to 32.6%. The therapeutic relevance of this is unknown; however, coagulation tests should be monitored if DEPAKOTE therapy is instituted in patients taking anticoagulants.

Zidovudine - In six patients who were seropositive for HIV, the clearance of zidovudine (100 mg q8h) was decreased by 38% after administration of valproate (250 or 500 mg q8h); the half-life of zidovudine was unaffected.

Drugs for which either no interaction or a likely clinically unimportant interaction has been observed:

Acetaminophen - Valproate had no effect on any of the pharmacokinetic parameters of acetaminophen when it was concurrently administered to three epileptic patients.

Clozapine - In psychotic patients (n=11), no interaction was observed when valproate was co-administered with clozapine.

Lithium - Co-administration of valproate (500 mg BID) and lithium carbonate (300 mg TID) to normal male volunteers (n=16) had no effect on the steady-state kinetics of lithium.

Lorazepam - Concomitant administration of valproate (500 mg BID) and lorazepam (1 mg BID) in normal male volunteers (n=9) was accompanied by a 17% decrease in the plasma clearance of lorazepam.

Oral Contraceptive Steroids - Administration of a single-dose of ethinyloestradiol (50 µg)/levonorgestrel (250 µg) to 6 women on valproate (200 mg BID) therapy for 2 months did not reveal any pharmacokinetic interaction.

 

 



Chemical IUPAC Name
sodium; 2-propylpentanoate; 2-propylpentanoic acid

Chemical Formula
C16H31NaO4

Half Life
9-16 hours

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00066

CAS Registry Number
76584-70-8


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