Compliance and satisfaction with switching from an immediate-release to sustained-release formulation of valproate in people with epilepsy

Epilepsy Behav. 2003 Dec;4(6):710-6. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2003.08.013.

Abstract

Objective: The goal of our work was to assess compliance and patient satisfaction with switching from sodium valproate to Depakine Chrono in patients with epilepsy.

Methods: Clinical, demographic, and behavioral details assessing compliance and satisfaction were collected using self-completion questionnaires at the time of inclusion in the study and 3 months after the inclusion day.

Results: Data were collected from 2031 respondents from eight European countries. There were significant differences between time 1 and time 2 of the study in seizure frequency, reported side effects, compliance, and patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that switching from sodium valproate to Depakine Chrono results in an increase in seizure-free rates, a reduction in reported side effects, an improvement in the level of compliance, and a modest improvement in patient satisfaction.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / therapeutic use*
  • Demography
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Seizures / psychology
  • Sickness Impact Profile
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Valproic Acid