Divalproex Sodium-Induced Hyponatremia: A Case Report with Positive Rechallenge
Hafiz Olatunde
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA.
Odiaka Mark Anombem
Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Tajudeen Basiru
Department of Psychiatry, Community Health of South Florida, Miami, FL, USA.
Adeniyi Kayode Busari
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Gibson Anugwom
Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Sochima Ochije
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University Hospital, GA, USA.
Salisu Aikoye
Psychiatry Department, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This report describes the case of a 56-year-old African American male who experienced severe hyponatremia after receiving Divalproex sodium therapy for bipolar I disorder on various occasions. Divalproex re-initiation caused a recurrence of hyponatremia, leading to discontinuation of the drug and initiation of Lithium. Although most cases of hyponatremia are asymptomatic, a sudden drop in sodium levels can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risk of hyponatremia in individuals undergoing bipolar I disorder therapy with Divalproex. This case highlights the need to monitor sodium levels in patients taking valproic acid.
Keywords: Valproic acid, hyponatremia, side effects, low sodium, bipolar I disorder