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Pharmacopsychiatry 2007; 40(1): 9-13
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-958521
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Valproic Acid improves Psychotic Agitation without Influencing Plasma Risperidone Levels in Schizophrenic Patients

R. Yoshimura 1 , K. Shinkai 1 , N. Ueda 1 , J. Nakamura 1
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 8078555, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

received 6. 2. 2006 revised 28. 8. 2006

accepted 2. 10. 2006

Publication Date:
27 February 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of valproic acid on plasma levels of risperidone and its active metabolite, 9-hydroxyrisperidone under steady state conditions in 12 schizophrenic patients.

Methods: The efficacy and tolerability for the combination treatment of valproic acid and risperidone were examined.

Results: The addition of valproic acid to risperidone significantly reduced total scores of PANSS positive symptoms, especially excitement and hostility scores, but did not change SAS scores. Addition of valproic acid did not alter plasma concentrations of risperidone or 9-hydroxyrisperidone or active moiety, and the risperidone/9-hydroxyrisperidone ratio. The combination of valproic acid with risperidone decreased plasma levels of HVA, but not those of MHPG; additionally, treatment with this combination was found to reduce dopaminergic activity.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the addition of valproic acid to risperidone is both effective and well tolerated for treating excitement and impulsiveness in schizophrenic patients without influencing the metabolism of risperidone, and treatment with valproic acid and risperidone.

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Correspondence

R. Yoshimura

Department of Psychiatry · University of Occupational and Environmental Health

1-1 Iseigaoka

Yahatanishi-ku

Kitakyushu

Fukuoka 8078555

Japan

Phone: +81/936/917 253

Fax: +81/936/924 984

Email: yoshi621@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp

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