Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic window (10-20 mg/L) and requires serum drug monitoring to prevent toxicities. Check out this awesome mnemonic on how to remember its side effects!
๐ Valproic acid is used in seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine prophylaxis. It works by increasing the availability of gamma (y)-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. โ
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๐๏ธ Divalproex sodium is a compound of sodium valproate and valproic acid. Divalproex dissociates to valproate in the GI tract. โ
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๐๏ธ Use special caution with the combination of valproic acid and lamotrigine due to the risk of serious rash called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. โ