Posted by Shawn. T. on November 7, 2002, at 19:07:56
In reply to Will Depakote (Valproic Acid) do anything for..., posted by ignored on November 6, 2002, at 22:11:14
Valproic acid has certain neuroprotective effects. Some reports have found that it increases neuronal differentiation. I could go into more detail, but you probably wouldn't be able to gather much from it unless you're very familiar with cell biology. If you do have a form of bipolar disorder, the drug would be most useful for preventing (hypo)manic episodes. I believe that it has some antidepressant effects in some people, although this doesn't hold true for everyone. If you have a variation of bipolar disorder that involves an abnormal circadian rhythm, valproic acid could help to normalize it. I seriously doubt that anyone without a need for valproic acid would want to take it for the neuroprotective effects; a decent multivitamin would be preferable.
Shawn
poster:Shawn. T.
thread:126748
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021101/msgs/126883.html