Valproic Acid [Divalproex sodium, Sodium valproate]

This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions of Paroxetine. Safety and efficacy of valproic acid pharmacotherapy for women who are breast-feeding and their neonates and infants have not been established. Valproic acid in the form of valproate is excreted in breast milk in concentrations reportedly up to 10% of maternal blood concentrations. Valproic acid appears to elicit its anticonvulsant action by means of increasing the availability of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, within the CNS. Divalproex sodium dissociates in the GI tract into valproic acid, which, in turn, becomes valproate ion. Valproic acid may decrease the first-pass hepatic metabolism of amitriptyline and inhibit its systemic metabolism. Concurrent alcohol use may increase the CNS depressant action of valproic acid.