title: Valproate-induced hyperammonemia as a cause of altered mental status.
abstract: The authors describe valproate-induced hyperammonemia and mental status changes in an 88-year-old man, the first known reported case in an elderly patient. They discuss this underrecognized complication of valproate use and the implications for treating elderly patients, in whom valproate use is increasing.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, CA 90073, USA. DFeil@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Feil
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chuang
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Sultzer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D022124:Hyperammonemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid