Cola Nut - Depakote (Divalproex Sodium) Interaction
Herbal: Cola Nut
Also Known As: Cola acuminata, Bissey Nut, Bissy Nut, Bitter Kola, Guru Nut, Gworo, Kola Nut, Kolatier, Noix de Cola, Noix de Kola, Noix du Soudan, Nuez de Cola, Soudan Coffee
Drug: Divalproex Sodium
Brand names:
Depakote
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Divalproex Sodium is classified as belonging to the following category: Valproate
Theoretically, cola nut might reduce the effects of valproate and increase the risk for convulsions.
Cola nut contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of valproate. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Gasior, M., Borowicz, K., Buszewicz, G., Kleinrok, Z., and Czuczwar, S. J. Anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital and valproate against maximal electroshock in mice during chronic treatment with caffeine and caffeine discontinuation. Epilepsia 1996;37(3
- Jankiewicz, K., Chroscinska-Krawczyk, M., Blaszczyk, B., and Czuczwar, S. J. [Caffeine and antiepileptic drugs: experimental and clinical data]. Przegl.Lek. 2007;64(11):965-967.
- Chroscinska-Krawczyk, M., Jargiello-Baszak, M., Walek, M., Tylus, B., and Czuczwar, S. J. Caffeine and the anticonvulsant potency of antiepileptic drugs: experimental and clinical data. Pharmacol.Rep. 2011;63(1):12-18.
- Chroscinska-Krawczyk, M., Ratnaraj, N., Patsalos, P. N., and Czuczwar, S. J. Effect of caffeine on the anticonvulsant effects of oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine and tiagabine in a mouse model of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Pharmacol Rep. 2009;61(5):819
Cola Nut Overview
Cola nut (Cola acuminata) is a plant native to West Africa and a member of the Malvaceae family. The plant has dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers. The seeds of the cola nut plant have been used in traditional medicine for their purported effects, such as stimulating the central nervous system, improving physical performance, and increasing energy and alertness. It is sometimes added to energy drinks, weight loss supplements, and other products. Caffeine is one of the compounds found in Cola nut seeds.
Divalproex Sodium Overview
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Valproic acid is used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of seizures. Valproic acid is also used to treat mania (episodes of frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). It is also used to prevent migraine headaches but not to relieve headaches that have already begun. Valproic acid is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by increasing the amount of a certain natural substance in the brain.
Cola Nut - More Interactions
Cola Nut interacts with 643 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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