title: [Use of valproic acid in long stay units of psychiatry].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Valproic acid is often used in psychiatry to treat schizophrenia and other conditions outside of indication ("off-label"). However, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently demonstrated and its use is not exempt of adverse effects. This study's main objective is to determine the frequency of use of valproic acid in approved indications and the "off-label" use in psychiatric patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study on July 7, 2014 with a sample of 167 patients residents in a psychiatric center was designed. Demographics, valproic acid treatment, posology and associated drug treatment, monitoring safety parameters, interactions and valproic acid concentrations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Valproic acid is prescribed in 1 of 3 patients of the center. It was used in the approved indications in 8 (15%) of the 53 patients analyzed: 5 (9%) of them with bipolar disorder and 3 (6%) diagnosed with epilepsy. Other 5 patients (9%) were included in the extended schizoaffective disorder indication. 76% (40) of the evaluated patients were prescribed valproic acid off-label. The mean dose of valproic acid was 1.26 Defined Daily Dose / patient / day. An average of 6 drugs associated with valproic acid was found. 18% of patients had thrombocytopenia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Valproic acid is often used off-label in psychiatric patients. It should be assessed the benefit-risk in this population.
authors: Hospital Universitario Sant Joan D'Alacant.. lateredesantapola@hotmail.com.
authors: M Teresa
authors: MT
authors: Martínez-Lazcano
authors: Hospital Universitario Sant Joan D'Alacant.. lateredesantapola@hotmail.com.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Esplá-González
authors: Hospital Universitario Sant Joan D'Alacant.. lateredesantapola@hotmail.com.
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Herraiz-Robles
authors: Licenciada en Farmacia.. lateredesantapola@hotmail.com.
authors: Pilar
authors: P
authors: Hernández-Pérez
authors: Licenciada en Farmacia.. lateredesantapola@hotmail.com.
authors: Raquel
authors: R
authors: Chillerón-Cuenca
authors: Centro Dr. Esquerdo Sant Joan D'Alacant. España.. lateredesantapola@hotmail.com.
authors: Emilio
authors: E
authors: Pol-Yanguas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056687:Off-Label Use; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid