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Case Reports
. 2023 Jul 9;16(7):e255319.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-255319.

Valproate overdose leading to hyperammonaemic encephalopathy

Deepak S Sharma  1 , Sandeep Gupta  2 , Priyanka Sharma  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Valproate overdose leading to hyperammonaemic encephalopathy

Deepak S Sharma et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Sodium valproate is a commonly prescribed anticonvulsant medication; however, it can cause uncommon side effects such as hyperammonaemia and encephalopathy. We present the case of a male in his early 50s brought to the emergency department after being found collapsed by his wife, with an empty bottle of sodium valproate tablets. The patient developed hyperammonaemic encephalopathy due to sodium valproate overdose and was treated with supportive care and renal replacement therapy. This case highlights the importance of recognising the potential complications of sodium valproate and its prompt treatment.

Keywords: adult intensive care; drugs: cns (not psychiatric); neurology (drugs and medicines); toxicology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Serum ammonia and valproate levels during hospitalisation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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