Comparison of Immediate vs Gradual Switch to Divalproex in Adults With Intellectual Disability
Comparison of Immediate vs Gradual Switch to Divalproex in Adults With Intellectual Disability
The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is any difference in side effects
 experienced by individuals with intellectual disorders taking Depakote DR (immediate release
 form) when they are switched to the extended release form (ER) overnight versus when they
 switch more gradually over a week.
Considering that there are potential advantages to once-daily depakote extended release in
 terms of decreased side effects, decreased medication errors and patient compliance, there is
 a need to determine the best method of conversion from multiple-daily dose delayed release
 depakote to once-daily for subjects with epilepsy bipolar disorder or behavior disorders.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  patients currently taking divalproex direct release for any seizure and/or behavior
 disorder

 -  patients with intellectual disability

 -  other medications for co-morbid disease are permitted, provided no plans for changes
 in medication used for the treatment of the disorder are expected

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  patients with a recent history of status epilepticus in the past 6 months

 -  seizures in the past 3 months

 -  patients with acute illness requiring changes in concurrent drugs

 -  patients unwilling to change from their present direct release divalproex to
 divalproex extended release

 -  patients that do not have a reliable caregiver

 -  patients with lack of verbal expressive speech