Consider patient-specific factors
Consider the mental state, intellectual capacity, and social support of each patient before initiating valproic acid. Its use as a mood stabilizer for “mood swings” outside of the context of bipolar disorder is questionable. Valproic acid is FDA-approved for treating bipolar disorder and seizures, but not for anger outbursts/irritability. Prior to starting valproic acid, Ms. L may have benefited from alternative nonpharmacologic treatments, such as psychotherapy, for her anger outbursts and poor coping skills. Therapeutic techniques that focused on helping her acquire better coping mechanisms may have been useful, especially because her mood symptoms did not meet criteria for bipolar disorder, and her depression had long been controlled with sertraline monotherapy.
OUTCOME Discharged after 20 days
Ms. L stays in the hospital for 10 days after receiving her liver transplant. She has low appetite and some difficulty with sleep after the transplant; therefore, the C-L team recommends mirtazapine, 15 mg/d. She has no behavioral problems during her stay, and is set up with home health, case management, and psychiatry follow-up. On hospital Day 20, she is discharged.
Bottom Line
Use caution when prescribing valproic acid, even in young, otherwise healthy patients. Although rare, some patients may experience a rapid decompensation and life-threatening illness after starting valproic acid. When prescribing valproic acid, ensure close follow-up after initiation, including mental status examinations, physical examinations, and laboratory testing.
Related Resource
- Doroudgar S, Chou TI. How to modify psychotropic therapy for patients who have liver dysfunction. Current Psychiatry. 2014;13(12):46-49.
Drug Brand Names
Diphenhydramine • Benadryl
Famotidine • Fluxid, Pepcid
Lamotrigine • Lamictal
Mirtazapine • Remeron
N-acetylcysteine • Mucomyst
Phenobarbital • Luminal
Phenytoin • Dilantin
Prednisone • Cortan, Deltasone
Sertraline • Zoloft
Valproic acid • Depakene