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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Psychotropic drug interactions with valproate
Jessica Fleming1, Manoranjenni Chetty
1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. jfle7329@mail.usyd.edu.au
Abstract:
Valproate is a well-established anticonvulsant that is increasingly being employed, often in combination with other psychotropics, for its mood-stabilizing properties. This compound is metabolized by conjugation, beta-oxidation, and cytochrome P450 oxidation (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2A6) and also acts as a broad-spectrum inhibitor of a variety of hepatic enzymes including glucoronyltransferase, epoxide hydrolase, and the CYP2C enzymes. In addition, it exhibits saturable protein binding and competes with many drugs for protein binding sites. It is therefore not surprising that valproate has been noted to interact with psychotropic medications of all classes. This article provides an overview of the noted pharmacokinetic psychotropic interactions with valproate, with a particular focus on the mechanisms of these interactions and potential clinical consequences.
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