Agitation as a Paradoxical Effect of Divalproex Sodium: A Case Report

This case report described a rare paradoxical effect of divalproex sodium, typically used for seizures and bipolar disorder, in a 39-year-old man with schizoaffective disorder. Despite increasing doses of divalproex, the patient exhibited increased agitation, hostility, and hypomanic behavior, which improved after discontinuation of the medication. The report highlighted similar cases in the literature and suggested that divalproex might induce behavioral deterioration in some patients. The exact mechanism of this paradoxical effect was unclear, and drug interactions or spontaneous resolution could not be ruled out. The authors urged physicians to be aware of potential behavioral side effects when prescribing divalproex.