[Anticonvulsants in agitation and behavior disorders in demented subjects. Report of 8 cases]

Aggressive agitation, agitation and insomnia with generalized anxiety are commonly observed in Alzheimer's disease. These symptoms remain a principal problem in the clinical management of elderly patients. Neuroleptics are commonly the selected medication for controlling severe aggression, especially the violent out bursts often seen in demented patients. Their use is frequently complicated by side effects, particularly somnolence and confusion. Valpromide and Carbamazepine have been efficacy alternatives and very well tolerated. We report eight cases of demented patients who presented an agitation and aggressive behaviors and had been treated with Valpromide or Carbamazepine. The patients agitation was well controlled at that point and had no apparent side effects. A combination Valpromide or Carbamazepine with neuroleptics permitted a reduction doses of neuroleptics and their side effects. We think that these behaviors disorders belong to the mood disorders. The symptomatology is modified because an alteration of cognitive faculty.