Sodium Valporate (Epilum) for PTSD??

[KHS]

Have just been to see my psychiatrist today re PTSD symptoms increasing. After trying many antidepressants (SSRI's, TC's, etc) all of which seem to increase my anxiety rather than decrease it.

He has now prescibed sodium valperate which is usually used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. The psychiatrist was clear that he doesn't believe that I have bipolar or any sort of mania or psychosis. He did say that it would healp with the exteme level of anxiety / panic that has lead to the recent increase in self harm.

Has anyone else heard of this treatment course for PTSD?

[MissAnonymous]

Its not a conventional treatment, no, and it is only technically licensed for use in manic depressive illnesses, however psychiatrists can prescribe it if they feel the properties of the medication may help you. For example, I know someone who had severe depression, for which no anti depressant had worked and they then decided to try Lithium therapy [which is designed only really for manic depressive illness] and found it helped.

Its worth a try because I am sure it will have a calming effect and for that reason could be beneficial in reducing your anxiety.

Good luck with it :)