Valproic Acid: Reversibly Acting Drug?

Abstract

Valproic acid [dipropylacetic acid (DPA)] was evaluated in an alumina-gel monkey model (N = 12) by constant-rate intravenous infusion. The data indicated: (a) a statistically significant decrease in seizure frequency the first 2 days of drug Step I (45-55 mug/ml) and drug Step II (90-110 mug/ml) which was temporary, lasting 2 days only; (b) a later, more permanent decrease in siezure frequency which was not apparent until drug Setp III (130-170 mug/ml); and a delayed return of the seizure frequency to predrug levels for 2 weeks after drug administration was discontinued, with no DPA detectable in plasma after the initial postdrug day. Whether DPA will behave as a reversibly acting drug was discussed.