A role for valproate in the treatment of sedative-hypnotic withdrawal and for relapse prevention

John T. Harris, John D. Roache, Joseph E. Thornton

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the human central nervous system, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor complex undergoes changes with both acute and chronic exposure to sedative-hypnotic drugs. These changes contribute to both the acute effects of these drugs as well as the chronic effects of sedative-hypnotic dependence, withdrawal, and drug craving. Clinically these chronic effects are difficult to treat in patients dependent on ethanol or benzodiazepines. Valproate may return the GABA type A receptor function to a state more closely resembling its normal function. By this mechanism, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of sedative-hypnotic withdrawal and relapse.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)319-323
Number of pages5
JournalAlcohol and Alcoholism
Volume35
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Toxicology

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