SODIUM VALPROATE IN TREATMENT OF RESISTANT EPILEPSY

A series of 115 patients was treated with sodium valproate (Epilim) for periods ranging from 6-24 mo. and in dosages ranging from 400-2400 mg daily. All but 6 of these patients had intractable epilepsies and had been previously treated unsuccessfully with other anti-epileptic agents. Eighty patients had generalized seizures and 35 had partial seizures which, in 26 cases, were secondarily generalized. Reduction of seizure frequency by over 50% occurred in about 70% of patients with generalized seizures but in only 37% of those with partial seizures. A number of patients reported increased alertness, improvement of mood, increased appetite and improved performance at school. The adverse effects encountered were gastro-intestinal symptoms, weight gain and hair loss.