Use of Depakote and Tegretol Together

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

Concomitant use of valproate (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) and schizoaffective disorders

J Clinical Psychopharmacol 1994 Feb (Bipolar & Psychotic Disorders Program, McLean Hospital. Tohen M, Castillo J)

"The authors conclude that the combination of valproate (Depakene) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) is usually well tolerated and that it can be effective in bipolar patients who have previously failed to respond to anticonvulsant monotherapy."

[While this is in bipolar, this report shows both drugs can be taken together, particularly in a BPD patient regularly taking Depakote who needs an extra dose of Tegretol for dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair)]

next: Studies showing abnormal EEG's in patients with the BPD