University Hospital, Toulouse, Psychiatric Department, 330 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, France
Publications
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Original Article
Use and Safety of Valproic Acid for Patients with Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms in a Cognitive Behavioural Unit: Retrospective Study
Author(s): Charlotte Rouzaud-Laborde*, Laure Rouch, Rigal Agathe, Brigitte Sallerin, Thierry Voisin, Christophe Arbus and Cestac Philippe
Abstract
Introduction: The management of behavioural disorders in the elderly is a reality that is difficult to implement. Few studies have focused on the therapeutic arsenal for managing these numerous conditions which will only increase in the years to come, in view of our ageing population. In cases where medical and non-medical strategies fail, valproic acid could provide an alternative based on studies that have highlighted its effects in the management of behavioural disorders. However, VA can cause sedation due to excessive ammonia levels in the blood, which may prove toxic for the central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to monitor any beneficial effects of VA in the treatment of behavioural disorders in a cognitive-behavioural unit (CBU), to measure ammonia levels in the blood after initiating treatment and, finally, to study combinations of p..
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