Open AccessChronic valproic acid intoxication: reversal by naloxone
Author(s) -
H K Ruben Thanacoody
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr.06.2009.1924
Subject(s) - medicine , valproic acid , (+) naloxone , anesthesia , depression (economics) , confusion , toxicity , liter , myoclonus , epilepsy , psychiatry , opioid , psychology , receptor , psychoanalysis , economics , macroeconomics
A 76-year-old woman being treated with sodium valproate for bipolar depression presented with a 4-day history of acute confusion and tremulousness. She had apnoeic episodes, a reduced conscious level and generalised myoclonic movements. Her plasma valproate concentration was 848 μmol/litre (normal range 300-600 μmol/litre). Administration of naloxone 0.8 mg led to rapid clinical improvement. Naloxone may be useful in reversing the features of chronic valproate toxicity.