HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS British Journal of Psychiatry Advances in Psychiatric Treatment All RCPsych Journals		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit an eLetter View responses Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Google Scholar Articles by Sparshatt, A. Articles by Taylor, D. PubMed Articles by Sparshatt, A. Articles by Taylor, D.

Valproate as prophylaxis for clozapine-induced seizures: survey of practice

^*Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, email: David.Taylor{at}slam.nhs.uk

Declaration of interest

Funding for this study was provided by Sanofi-Aventis in the form of an unrestricted grant. D.T. has received research funding, and consultancy and speaking fees from Sanofi-Aventis and Novartis.

AIMS AND METHOD

To evaluate the prescribing of valproate in clozapine-treated individuals who may be at risk of seizure. We collected point-prevalent clinical characteristics and demographics of all in-patients prescribed clozapine in an acute mental health trust. Data were collected from case notes, electronic records and drug charts, and analysed against a set audit standard.

RESULTS

Data were collected for 81 in-patients. Of all deemed to be at risk of seizure (n=37) only 24% were prescribed valproate at a therapeutic plasma level.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The majority of patients prescribed clozapine at risk of seizures were not adequately protected from this risk. Clear guidelines are required.

eLetters: