Valproate as psychotropic agent. Interactions and adverse cerebral reactions

Recent data stress the psychotropic actions of valproate in schizo-affective disorder. Four patients are reported presenting an altered state of consciousness and prominent EEG dysfunction following combined valproate/neuroleptic drug treatment. Similar cerebral reactions have been reported in anti-epileptic poly- and monotherapy, and the pathogenetic considerations are discussed. Further investigations of the interactions of valproate with other psychotropic agents are highly mandatory.