Intravenous Valproic Acid Add-On Therapy in Acute Agitation Adolescents with Suspected Substance Abuse: A Report of Six Cases

Claudia Battaglia; Roberto Averna; Milena Labonia; Assia Riccioni; Stefano Vicari

doi:10.1097/WNF.0000000000000265

Intravenous Valproic Acid Add-On Therapy in Acute Agitation Adolescents with Suspected Substance Abuse: A Report of Six Cases

Claudia Battaglia, Roberto Averna, Milena Labonia, Assia Riccioni, Stefano Vicari

Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) valproate for aggression in children and adolescents with mood or conduct disorder and concomitant substance abuse. Six patients received a 20 mg/kg dose of IV valproic acid as an add-on therapy to their standard therapy with second-generation antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. Agitation and general psychopathology were measured at baseline and after the first injection using the Modified Overt Aggression Scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and the Children's Global Assessment Scale. The findings suggested that in emergency psychiatry clinical settings, IV valproate was effective in reducing agitation and aggressive behaviors with a good tolerability profile and better treatment compliance.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	38-42
Number of pages	5
Journal	Clinical Neuropharmacology
Volume	41
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1097/WNF.0000000000000265
Publication status	Published - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

aggressivity
agitation
substance abuse
valproic acid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Pharmacology
Clinical Neurology
Pharmacology (medical)

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10.1097/WNF.0000000000000265

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AU - Riccioni, Assia

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Intravenous Valproic Acid Add-On Therapy in Acute Agitation Adolescents with Suspected Substance Abuse: A Report of Six Cases

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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