Can Depakote cause high ammonia?

The use of valproic acid (VPA) (also known as Depakote, Depakene, and others) frequently results in elevated plasma ammonia. In some people, hyperammonemia may be clinically significant, resulting in hyperammonemic encephalopathy, which may be severe.

What are the symptoms of hyperammonemia?

Signs and symptoms

• Lethargy.
• Irritability.
• Poor feeding.
• Vomiting.
• Hyperventilation, grunting respiration.
• Seizures.

Which is better for hyperammonemia, valproate or Depakote?

Treatment with L-carnitine may be beneficial in reducing ammonia levels. The use of valproic acid (VPA) (also known as Depakote, Depakene, and others) frequently results in elevated plasma ammonia. In some people, hyperammonemia may be clinically significant, resulting in hyperammonemic encephalopathy, which may be severe.

How to lower ammonia level in the blood?

You may be able to lower your risk of elevated blood ammonia level by: 1 Avoiding use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco 2 Controlling your blood pressure 3 Eating a low protein diet if you have a history of liver disease More

How does VPA affect the excretion of ammonia?

Ammonia is a by-product of the conversion of amino acids to α-ketoacids. In the liver, ammonia is converted to urea, which is then excreted in the urine. VPA inhibits the activity of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I, the first enzymatic reaction in the urea cycle, thereby hindering the excretion of ammonia and raising plasma ammonia levels.

When to stop taking valproic acid or Depakene?

Antiepilepsy drugs should not be abruptly discontinued in patients in whom the drug is administered to prevent major seizures because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus with attendant hypoxia and threat to life. The following table is a guide for the initial daily dose of Depakene (valproic acid) (15 mg/kg/day): Table 1.