Bipolar Disorders and Valproate: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Therapeutic Effects, and Indications of Valproate: Review of Articles

Valproate was a mood stabilizer approved for acute and maintenance treatment of mania in bipolar disorder, particularly effective for rapid cycling, irritable mania, and severe mania with psychosis. Its exact mechanism was unknown but involved enhancing brain GABA levels and modulating various neurotransmitters and channels. Common side effects included GI distress, tremor, sedation, hair loss, increased appetite, and weight gain, with rare serious effects like hepatic failure and pancreatitis. Valproate posed an increased risk of fetal abnormalities during pregnancy and interacted with several other medications, affecting its concentration levels. Routine blood level monitoring was not necessary.