Valproate semisodium-induced encephalopathy: Diet and polypharmacy interactions

Abstract

Despite extensive use of valproate in neurology and psychiatry, valproate-induced encephalopathy is a rarely reported complication. Although initially reported in the paediatric population, case reports are growing in the adult population. Clinicians need to be aware of this potentially life-threatening complication. We report a case in a 37-year-old woman with bipolar I disorder with previously uncomplicated valproate use, who developed encephalopathy when valproate was restarted a few years later. The patient has provided consent for publication.