From the FDA Drug Label
CNS Effects: Sedative effects have occurred in patients receiving valproate alone but occur most often in patients receiving combination therapy. Several reports have noted reversible cerebral atrophy and dementia in association with valproate therapy Nervous System: Amnesia, confusion, abnormal gait, paresthesia, hypertonia, incoordination, abnormal dreams, personality disorder The effect of Depakote (Valproate) on memory is that it may cause amnesia and confusion. The mechanism of action is not explicitly stated in the label, but it is known that valproate can cause sedative effects and cerebral atrophy, which may contribute to its effects on memory 1. Key points about the effect of Depakote on memory include:
- Amnesia has been reported in patients taking valproate
- Confusion and abnormal gait have also been reported
- Reversible cerebral atrophy and dementia have been associated with valproate therapy It is not possible to determine the exact mechanism by which valproate affects memory based on the provided label.
From the Research
Effect of Depakote (Valproate) on Memory
- The effect of valproate on cognitive functions, particularly memory, has been studied in various research papers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that valproate has a negative effect on cognitive functions in chronically-treated patients with bipolar disorder, with working memory being the most affected cognitive domain 2.
- Another study published in Progress in Neurobiology suggested that valproate acts through a combination of several mechanisms, including increasing GABA synthesis and release, reducing the release of the epileptogenic amino acid gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, and attenuating neuronal excitation induced by NMDA-type glutamate receptors 3.
- A study published in the International Review of Psychiatry found that valproate has neuroprotective and neurotrophic actions, and may involve alterations in gene expression 4.
- A study published in Praxis found that sodium valproate can affect cognitive functions and behavior, but the effects are rather mild and have been slightly overrated in the past 5.
- A study published in Bipolar Disorders found that patients with bipolar disorder on monotherapy with lithium or valproate had impaired verbal memory, but otherwise spared cognition 6.
Mechanism of Action
- The mechanism of action of valproate is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of several mechanisms, including: