Tag: Valproate

According to clinical data, Epival CR (divalproex sodium) is effectively used as an anticonvulsant for certain forms of epilepsy, as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, and for migraine prophylaxis. This controlled-release medication helps provide a steady level of medicine in the body to manage these conditions effectively with once or twice daily dosing.

While effective in managing mood disorders, a 2023 overview notes that mood stabilizers come with a range of potential side effects, both mild and serious. It is crucial for patients to understand what to expect when starting treatment and to engage in open communication with their healthcare providers.

For over 60 years, lithium has been considered the "gold standard" and historically the most widely used medication for bipolar disorder, answering the question, what is the most common mood stabilizer. However, modern pharmacology offers a wider array of options, including anticonvulsants and atypical antipsychotics, each with distinct uses and considerations.

According to one review, drug-induced movement disorders, including tremors, affect a significant number of people prescribed psychiatric medication. It is important for both patients and clinicians to understand which psychiatric drugs cause tremors and how to manage this side effect effectively.

Studies suggest that bipolar disorder affects approximately 4.5% to 6.2% of people with epilepsy, making the co-occurrence of these conditions a significant clinical challenge [1.2.2, 1.2.3]. So, what drugs are used to treat bipolar people with epilepsy? The key lies in a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, many of which also have mood-stabilizing properties.

According to case studies and reports, psychosis is a rare but documented adverse event associated with mood stabilizer treatment in some individuals, particularly with medications like lamotrigine. This critical question—**can mood stabilizers trigger psychosis?**—highlights the complex interplay between medication effects, individual neurobiology, and underlying psychiatric conditions.

Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally [1.3.3]. When determining what is the first-line medication for epilepsy, the answer depends heavily on the specific type of seizure a person experiences.

According to the UK's Valproate Pregnancy Prevention Programme, pregnancy must be actively avoided during valproate use due to a high risk of birth defects. This makes understanding the potential interaction between valproate and birth control methods crucial for women of childbearing potential. While some older studies suggested no effect on contraceptive efficacy, newer research indicates a reciprocal interaction where hormonal contraception may lower valproate levels.

Affecting over one billion people worldwide, chronic or severe headaches, like migraines and cluster headaches, can be debilitating. While many are familiar with traditional pain relievers, certain mood stabilizers are also highly effective at preventing headaches, working by calming overactive nerves in the brain.

According to studies, many mood-stabilizing medications can significantly impact body weight. In fact, weight gain is a common side effect of most mood stabilizers, particularly with certain classes of drugs like atypical antipsychotics and valproate.