Depakote and HIV

Filed in archive Studies on August 11, 2005

A small study suggests that the anticonvulsant drug Depakote can be effective in HIV. Note this is preliminary data and more studies needs to be carried out:

In a small study, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center here, led by David Margolis, M.D., have shown that the anticonvulsant Depakene (valproic acid) can sharply reduce the number of resting immune cells that are infected with HIV.

"We've shown a new approach by which -- with further advances someday -- we might be able to clear an infection," said Dr. Margolis.

Depakene, which is used for epilepsy, migraines, and bipolar disorder, reduced the number of infected resting cells by an average of 75% in three of four HIV-infected patients, Dr. Margolis and colleagues reported in the Aug. 13 issue of The Lancet.

(Smith, "Anticonvulsant May Help Keep Lid on HIV", MedPage Today, Aug.11)