Hallucinations after withdrawal of valproic acid

Pediatrics. 2012 Jul;130(1):e236-8. doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-2608. Epub 2012 Jun 11.

Abstract

We report 2 children with a history of epilepsy in whom valproic acid (VPA) withdrawal was identified as a potential cause of hallucinations. After a restart of VPA, the hallucinations disappeared. We suggest mechanisms for the occurrence of the hallucinations and a possible control of a predisposition to hallucinations by VPA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / chemically induced*
  • Hallucinations / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid