Agitated symptom response to divalproex following acute brain injury

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2000 Summer;12(3):395-7. doi: 10.1176/jnp.12.3.395.

Abstract

This is the largest case series (N=29) to date describing divalproex for agitation symptoms. Chart information was abstracted retrospectively for all patients who received divalproex for agitation symptoms during a 22-month period in one inpatient brain injury rehabilitation unit. For 26 patients (90%), divalproex appeared effective within 7 days after a typical 1,250 mg/day dose. Most patients (93%) were discharged to their home or community sites. Divalproex appears to be an efficacious alternative to neuroleptics and benzodiazepines for alert, labile, impulsive, and disinhibited brain injury patients.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antimanic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antimanic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Injuries / psychology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychomotor Agitation / drug therapy*
  • Psychomotor Agitation / etiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Valproic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antimanic Agents
  • Valproic Acid