Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) - Depakote (Divalproex Sodium) Interaction

Interaction Details

Divalproex Sodium is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants

GHB may increase the risk of serious CNS and respiratory depression.
Concomitant use of GHB with CNS depressants may increase the risk of serious CNS and respiratory depression.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.

References

• Product information for Xyrem. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Palo Alto, CA. March 2022.

Interaction Details

Divalproex Sodium is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, GHB may reduce the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
GHB has been reported to cause seizures, and may theoretically reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsants. Also, concomitant use of GHB with sedative anticonvulsants may increase the risk of serious CNS and respiratory depression.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction 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

• Anon. Multistate outbreak of poisonings associated with illicit use of gamma hydroxy butyrate. JAMA 1991;265:447-8.
• Stomberg MW, Knudsen K, Stomberg H, Skärsäter I. Symptoms and signs in interpreting gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) intoxication - an explorative study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2014 Apr 23;22:27.
• Product information for Xyrem. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Palo Alto, CA. March 2022.

Interaction Details

Divalproex Sodium is classified as belonging to the following category: Divalprox Sodium (Depakote)

Divalproex sodium can increase the levels and clinical effects of GHB.
Concomitant use of GHB with divalproex sodium may increase the plasma levels and clinical effects of GHB. Concomitant use of the prescription form of GHB (sodium oxybate) with valproic acid results in approximately 25% increased exposure to GHB. It is recommended that the dose of the prescription form of GHB (sodium oxybate) be decreased by at least 20% if divalproex sodium is initiated in patients already receiving GHB (sodium oxybate) and that a lower starting dosage of GHB (sodium oxybate) is used in patients who are already receiving divalproex sodium.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction

References

• Product information for Xyrem. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Palo Alto, CA. March 2022.

Divalproex Sodium Overview

• 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.

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) - More Interactions

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) interacts with 272 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.