title: A naturalistic comparison of adverse effects between slow titration and loading of divalproex sodium in psychiatric inpatients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study compares the incidence, severity and onset of treatment-emergent adverse effects between slow titration and loading of divalproex sodium in psychiatric inpatients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-seven patients were prescribed either loading or slow titration of divalproex sodium. Under single-blind conditions, adverse effects were assessed using a valproate adverse effects rating scale. Except for a statistically significant greater incidence of somnolence in the slow titration group, no statistically or clinically significant differences in incidence, severity or onset of treatment-emergent adverse effects were found between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, adverse effects were well tolerated by both groups.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, USA.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Dopheide
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Earhart
authors.forename: M Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Wincor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid