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Related Experiment Videos

Divalproex as a calmative adjunct for aggressive schizophrenic patients.

Irfan Afaq1, Jawad Riaz, Karim Sedky

  • 1University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA.

The Journal of the Kentucky Medical Association
|February 8, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Divalproex (divalproex sodium) may help manage agitation and violence in psychotic patients, leading to a calmer hospital stay. This study found it well-tolerated with no significant adverse events.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Managing dangerousness in psychotic patients requires effective pharmacotherapy.
  • Divalproex is a fast-acting agent with a favorable safety profile for such cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate divalproex as an adjunct treatment for agitated and/or violent psychotic schizophrenic patients.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of divalproex in inpatient psychiatric settings.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study comparing 147 hospitalized patients (violent vs. non-violent).
  • Divalproex was administered as an adjunct to antipsychotic drugs, particularly for more dangerous patients (n=40).
  • Clinical status, demographics, and dangerousness parameters were assessed.

Main Results:

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  • Divalproex was generally well-tolerated, with one case of transient granulocytopenia.
  • Patients receiving divalproex appeared to have a calmer, less dangerous hospital course.
  • No significant adverse events were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Divalproex may facilitate a more routine hospital course for agitated psychotic patients.
  • The study's retrospective and uncontrolled nature limits definitive conclusions.
  • Further controlled studies are warranted to confirm efficacy.