title: Severe acute hyperammonemia after brief exposure to valproate.
abstract: The authors describe a case of acute hyperammonemia after the addition of valproate to the medication regimen of a patient on multiple psychotropic medications. The patient presented with acute mental-status changes consistent with delirium. With prompt intervention and supportive care, her delirium quickly cleared.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Univ. of California, Davis Medical Center, 2230 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento CA 95817, USA.
authors.forename: Aubrey L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Eubanks
authors.forename: Betzabel
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aguirre
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bourgeois
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000641:Ammonia / Q000097:blood; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002331:Carnitine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000172:deficiency; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D022124:Hyperammonemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D007792:Lactulose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007792:Lactulose; D014635:Valproic Acid; D000641:Ammonia; D002331:Carnitine