Placebo-Controlled Study of Divalproex Sodium for Agitation in Dementia

Use of Antiepileptic Drugs for Nonepileptic Conditions: Psychiatric Disorders and Chronic Pain

“…Uncontrolled studies also suggest that valproate is effective for maintenance treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder, 18 for the treatment of bipolar II depression, 19 for agitation 20 but not aggression 21 associated with dementia, and for impulsive aggression 22 Divalproex was similar to lithium compared with placebo in a pediatric bipolar I and II trial. 18 A significant reduction in Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) scores were noted 19 among 19 patients with bipolar II depression receiving divalproex for 12 weeks.…”

“…20,21 Open trials have suggested potential efficacy of valproic acid in the treatment of panic disorder. 23,24 In summary, evidence supports mood stabilizing properties for valproate.…”

Recognition and Management of Behavioral Disturbances in Dementia

“…A recent study 135 did not find divalproex sodium to improve signs and symptoms of mania associated with dementia in a sample of nursing home residents, but divalproex did improve symptoms of agitation. 135 Another recent study 136 found divalproex to reduce agitation in 68% of treated subjects compared with 52% who were taking placebo (p = .06), but side effects occurred in 68% of the divalproex group versus 33% (p = .03). 136 Divalproex at doses of 150 to 250 mg decreased agitation and aggression in one pilot study.…”

“…135 Another recent study 136 found divalproex to reduce agitation in 68% of treated subjects compared with 52% who were taking placebo (p = .06), but side effects occurred in 68% of the divalproex group versus 33% (p = .03). 136 Divalproex at doses of 150 to 250 mg decreased agitation and aggression in one pilot study. 137 The elderly may have a higher risk of developing thrombocytopenia with valproate.…”

Preventing falls in In-Patient Older Adult Mental Health Services: Different Causative Factors in Mental and Neurocognitive Disorders

“…Although there is some literature that suggests that Sodium Valproate is helpful in treating BPSD [50], recent reviews question the efficacy and tolerability of Sodium Valproate in BPSD [51]. Konovalov, Muralee [52] suggest that anticonvulsant mood stabilizers should not be recommended for routine use in the treatment of BPSD citing that of 7 RCTs of anticonvulsant therapy in BPSD published only one showed significant improvement compared to placebo, while five showed no statistical difference and one showed significant worsening of BPSD in the treatment group compared to placebo.…”