Monodose versus 3 daily doses of sodium valproate: a controlled trial

12 patients with absence epilepsy were treated with alternatively 1 or 3 daily doses of sodium valproate (VPA) in a double-blind cross-over design. Seizure frequency, EEG paroxysmal activity, clinical side-effects and laboratory findings were assessed for both treatment periods. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 dosage schedules, and the simplicity of monodose treatment is an important factor in good patient compliance. The apparent discrepancy between plasma half-life and biological action of VPA is discussed.