Sodium Valproate (Epilim)

[canadian]

Has anybody any evidence of this drug working for Alzheimers? My husband has been on it for 9 weeks and is not improving. The Consultant will not change his medication.
canadian

[CollegeGirl]

Hi Canadian

My mam, who has Alzheimer's, was on this for epilepsy until very recently when she had to be taken off it because of low blood pressure problems.

I don't know of it being prescribed purely for Alzheimer's but perhaps other people will have more experience.

Hope this helps.

[sotty]

Hi Canadian. My husband has Alzheimer's and developed epilepsy earlier this year, for which he was prescribed Epilim to control the seizures. At the time the consultant mentioned that they sometimes use Epilim successfully for people who don't have epilepsy to help with agitation/aggression. Could this be why it was prescribed for your husband?

Suzanne

[jaymor]

My husband was prescribed this for agitation and aggression along wth pregabolin. He is at the moment in an assessment centre and I know his pregabolin has been increased from 100mg to 300mg a day but not sure if he is still getting the the sodium valproate. I have a meeting on tuesday with his consultant and the nursing staff so will have up to date knowledge of his medication. He was only put on the sodium valproate when he entered the unit and he has been there just over two weeks so unfortunately I can't tell if it has had any effect.
Jay.

[Canadian Joanne]

My mother was on this for agitation and aggression. She was receiving other drugs for her Alzheimer's. As said above, it is a drug for epilepsy but is used off-label for behavioural issues with dementia patients. Also, it tended to make my mother drowsy so I had to monitor her reactions.

Ask the consultant why he/she will not prescribe an Alzheimer's drug. Has your husband been officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's?