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valproic acid(sp?) mechanism of action

D_DOOD

D_DOOD

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Joined
Nov 15, 2004
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can anybody explain that to me in a simple way please?
how should it interact with other drugs? how does it improve people's response to SSRIs?
 
D_DOOD,

Great question. I would love to know how Depakote works as well. From what I have seen in other threads it works on GABA, but also on serotonin, although it is not SSRI...
 
Valproate increases the concentration of extracellular GABA in various brain regions including the substantia nigra (responsible for its antiepileptic actions). It does this by inhibiting GABA breakdown or increasing its synthesis. This is possibly mediated by its binding with Coenzyme A.

Valproate has also been shown to modulate the Corticotrophin releasing factor system,which is thought to be responsible for its effects as a mood stabiliser.

It could also affect sodium channels, slowing sodium conductance by decreasing the ability of sodium channels to recover from inactivation
 
so maybe the Corticotrophin part is responsible for alot of the side effects of Valproate, is it possible?
 
I was just thinking that the effects on the CRF system could also be responsible for the improvement in the response to SSRIs

what side effects occur after taking valproate?
 
D_DOOD, that would probably depend on what side effects you are referring to. I got extremely tired when on Depakote, sleeping as much as 14 hours at night PLUS napping frequently for the short period of time I was awake. I have a hunch this could be due to the increase in GABA concentrations. I think the effects on GABA could also contribute to the "mood stabilizing" effects of Depakote. Loosely (very loosely) comparable to taking a benzo to prevent mania while taking an SSRI for the depressive phases/cycles of bipolar.
 
As far as I was awear, valproate hit up a lot of ion channels as well, and this is probably it's main antiepilptic mechanism.
 
very scary side effects, so scary I decided not to take the drug that was prescribed by 3 different psych docs, i'm in a big dilemma cause i'm far from being bipolar.

side effects - http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/dival_ad.htm

can anybody give me a link with good info about Corticotrophin and related stuff?
 
If you were prescribed it by several physicians, don't you think you should take it?

Heres a study you might want to read
 
D_DOOD,

Well, Depakote is not only prescribed for bipolar and epilepsy, according to my psych it is also effective in treating free floating anxiety and could also be effective in making sure that whoever takes ADD medication does not have manic episodes.

Personally, I also look at this drug with suspicion, my question is can somebody without epilepsy develop epilepsy after going off this drug due to downregulation and subsequent upregulation of whatever it regulates.
 
C10H12N20 - thanks for your concern, i'm neither bipolar nor epileptic, but i've got an opiate addiction which is take for subutex 4mg/day, and concerta 54mg,some lite depression and background body anxiety,thats why is got addicted in the first place and one hell of ADHD, some people like to say there is no such thing as ADHD, I agree some doctors are too easy on the ritalin, but you should have seen me, esp. as a kid.
 
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