A naturalistic comparison of adverse effects between slow titration and loading of divalproex sodium in psychiatric inpatients.
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.
Lima
W J
WJ
University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, USA.
Dopheide
J A
JA
Kramer
B A
BA
Earhart
C A
CA
Wincor
M Z
MZ
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
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid