From the Guidelines
Valproate (Depakote) is not a recommended treatment for Charles Bonnet Syndrome, as the current evidence does not support its effectiveness for this condition. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2023 in the journal Ophthalmology 1, discusses the characteristics of Charles Bonnet Syndrome, including recurrent, vivid visual hallucinations, insight that what is seen is not real, no other neurological or medical diagnosis to explain the hallucinations, and some degree of vision loss. However, it does not mention Valproate (Depakote) as a treatment option.
Another study published in 2023 in the same journal 1 also discusses Charles Bonnet Syndrome, but it does not provide any information about the effectiveness of Valproate (Depakote) for this condition.
Key points to consider when managing Charles Bonnet Syndrome include:
- Reassurance about the benign nature of the condition
- Non-pharmacological approaches
- Consideration of other medications, such as antipsychotics (quetiapine) or anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin), although their effectiveness is not well established
- Individualized treatment plans, as the condition can vary significantly from person to person
It is essential to prioritize the patient's quality of life, morbidity, and mortality when managing Charles Bonnet Syndrome, and to consider the potential benefits and risks of any treatment option. In the absence of strong evidence supporting the use of Valproate (Depakote) for this condition, alternative approaches should be considered.