Divalproex extended-release in acute bipolar II depression JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS Wang, P. W., Nowakowska, C., Chandler, R. A., Hill, S. J., Nam, J. Y., Culver, J. L., Keller, K. L., Ketter, T. A. 2010; 124 (1-2): 170-173

Abstract

Divalproex extended-release (divalproex-ER) is effective in acute mania, and limited data suggest divalproex may have efficacy in acute bipolar depression.A 7-week, open-label trial of divalproex-ER monotherapy or adjunctive therapy was conducted in 28 outpatients (15 female, mean age 36.7+/-9.1, and mean duration of illness 22.1+/-11.1 years) with bipolar II depression (39% with rapid cycling course of illness within the prior year). Divalproex-ER was generally given as a single dose at bedtime, starting at 250mg and increased by 250mg every 4 days to symptom relief or adverse effects. Efficacy was assessed using weekly prospective Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores.Overall, mean divalproex-ER final doses and serum concentrations were 1469mg/day and 80.1microg/mL, respectively. Mean MADRS scores (last observation carried forward) decreased significantly from baseline in patients in the overall group (from 30.1 to 15.2, p<.00001). The overall response rate was 54%. Divalproex-ER therapy was generally well tolerated, with no early discontinuations due to adverse events.This study is limited by a small sample size and an open-label study design with no placebo control.Divalproex-ER as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy was well tolerated and yielded an overall response rate of 54% in bipolar II depression. Based on the results of this pilot study, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of divalproex-ER in bipolar II depression are warranted.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jad.2009.10.021

View details for Web of Science ID 000278787400022

View details for PubMedID 19923006