[A valproic acid-diazepam combination as an alternative to neuroleptic treatment]

Thirty years after their introduction neuroleptics experience a high rate of failure and intolerance in long-standing serious cases. The contra-indications are concentrated in hospital services due to their associated organic pathology. The clinician is often at a loss in these cases. Benzodiazepines on their own are often insufficient, but well tolerated. Sodium Valproate, aside from its anti-comitial activity, has already proven to be active in the treatment and the prevention of manic episode. Pharmaco-kinetic and pharmaco-dynamic arguments favour a synergic action for Sodium Valproate and Diazepam. This association has been prescribed in fourteen cases of failure, intolerance or contra-indication of neuroleptics in chronic psychotics. Tolerance has been perfect and eight good stable results have been obtained. This association merits study and test in the conditions described.