Hyperammonemia Induced by Interaction of Valproate and Quetiapine

Title:Hyperammonemia Induced by Interaction of Valproate and Quetiapine

Volume: 8 Issue: 4

Author(s): Athar Halaby, Ramzi Haddad and Wadih J. Naja

Affiliation:

Keywords: Hyperammonemia, quetiapine, valproic acid.

Abstract: Introduction: Hyperammonemia is one of the rare nevertheless serious side effects associated with valproic acid treatment. Two cases of valproic acid induced hyperammonemia are detailed in this article.

Cases: Case one describes an adult male who developed hyperammonemia after acute exposure to valproic acid as a treatment for his bipolar disorder-manic episode. Case two developed a similar pattern of toxicity but after chronic exposure to valproic acid. Both patients were receiving a combination of valproic acid and quetiapine.

Discussion: Measurement of the ammonium level should be considered where there is a decreased level of consciousness in patients receiving valproic acid irrespective of the diagnosis and even after a long term exposure. A possible risk of hyperammonemia can result from a combination of valproic acid and quetiapine, however further studies are yet needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Cite this article as:

Halaby Athar, Haddad Ramzi and Naja J. Wadih, Hyperammonemia Induced by Interaction of Valproate and Quetiapine, Current Drug Safety 2013; 8 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/15748863113089990039