From the Guidelines
Vanapt is not Valproate; they are different medications, with Vanapt (iloperidone) being an antipsychotic and Valproate (valproic acid or divalproex sodium) being an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer. For Valproate, the dosage is typically started at 10-15 mg/kg/day for seizure disorders, divided into 2-3 doses, and gradually increased to achieve seizure control, usually between 20-60 mg/kg/day 1. For bipolar disorder, treatment usually begins at 750 mg daily in divided doses, with adjustments based on clinical response and blood levels, aiming for a therapeutic blood level range of 50-125 μg/mL 1.
Key Considerations for Valproate Use:
- Dosing should be individualized based on patient response and monitored through blood tests to ensure levels remain within the therapeutic range while minimizing side effects.
- Valproate requires regular monitoring of liver function, blood counts, and drug levels, especially when initiating therapy or adjusting doses 1.
- Patients should take Valproate with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and should not stop the medication abruptly, as this could trigger seizures or mood destabilization.
- The most recent and highest quality study regarding Valproate dosage and monitoring is crucial for guiding clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans and vigilant monitoring 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Valproic acid is administered orally. Patients should initiate therapy at 10 to 15 mg/kg/day. The dosage should be increased by 5 to 10 mg/kg/week to achieve optimal clinical response Ordinarily, optimal clinical response is achieved at daily doses below 60 mg/kg/day.
The dosage for Valproate is 10 to 15 mg/kg/day, increased by 5 to 10 mg/kg/week to achieve optimal clinical response, with optimal response usually achieved at daily doses below 60 mg/kg/day 2.
From the Research
Dosage Information for Valproate
- The provided studies do not specify the exact dosage for Valproate, also known as Vanapt, for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
- However, the studies discuss the efficacy and safety of Valproate in the treatment of bipolar disorder, comparing it to other mood stabilizers and antipsychotic agents 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
- Valproate is commonly used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder, and its efficacy has been established in several studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The treatment of bipolar disorder often involves a combination of medications, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotic agents, and antidepressants 4, 5.
- The choice of medication and dosage depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, patient response, and potential side effects 6, 7.
Efficacy and Safety of Valproate
- Studies have shown that Valproate is effective in preventing or attenuating manic, depressive, and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder 6, 7.
- Valproate has been compared to other mood stabilizers, such as lithium, and antipsychotic agents, and its efficacy and safety profile have been established 6, 7.
- However, Valproate can cause side effects, such as sedation and infection, and its use requires careful monitoring and consideration of potential risks and benefits 6, 7.