Sodium Valproate and Autism

Sodium valproate is a type of anticonvulsant and mood stabilser medication sold under various brand names including Convulex, Depakene, Depakote, Epilim, Episenta and Stavzor. Sodium valproate is also known as divalproex sodium, valproate sodium and valproic acid.

Sodium valproate is used to to prevent or reduce the severity of seizures. It is also used to treat manic depression and migraine.

Some people believe that some sodium valproate can also be used to reduce some of the core symptoms of autism, such as social and communication difficulties and repetitive, compulsive behaviour.

Please note that sodium valproate can cause serious or life threatening damage to the liver in some people.

Related Glossaries

• Sodium Valproate

Related Publications

• Anagnostou E. et al. (2006) Divalproex versus placebo for the prevention of irritability associated with fluoxetine treatment in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 26(4),
  
  
• Brasić J. R. (1997) Hyperkinesias in a prepubertal boy with autistic disorder treated with haloperidol and valproic acid. Psychology Report. 80(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Childs J., Blair J. (1997) Valproic acid treatment of epilepsy in autistic twins. Journal of Neurosciece Nursing. 29(4), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Hollander E. et al. (2001) An open trial of divalproex sodium in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 62(7), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Hollander E. et al. (2006) Divalproex sodium vs. placebo in the treatment of repetitive behaviours in autism spectrum disorder. International Journal of Neuropsycholpharmacology. 9(2), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Plioplys A. V. (1994) Autism: Electroencephalogram abnormalities and clinical improvement with valproic acid. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 148(2),
  
  

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Updated

18 Jun 2018