ABOUT COURSE
This course offers vital understanding of Valproic Acid which is treatment of choice for rapid and ultra-rapid mood swings in bipolar disorder.
The curriculum covers essential topics for prescribers including:
- Indications
- Dosage and Administration
- Mechanism of Action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Warnings
- Drug Interactions
- Contraindications
- Augmentation Strategies
- Recommended Lab Tests
- Therapeutic Levels
- Overdose Management
- Tapering/Withdrawal
- Use in Special Populations-
- Pregnancy,
- Lactation,
- Renal Impairment,
- Hepatic Impairment,
- Cardiac Impairment,
- Elderly,
- Children and Adolescents.
- Important pearls based on years of practice.
This course aims to enrich the clinical capabilities of psychiatric nurse practitioners and other prescribers by providing the knowledge to prescribe and manage Valproic Acid therapy effectively and safely.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Brand Names & Generic:
- Learn about brand names under which Valproic Acid is marketed.
- Learn about different generic names under which Valproic Acid is available in the market.
Indications:
- Learn the FDA-approved uses and potential off-label applications of Valproic Acid.
- Know the dosages of all potential off-label uses.
Dosage and Administration:
- Understand different medication forms and their administration.
- Implement appropriate dosage and administration guidelines for Valproic Acid in various clinical scenarios.
- Learn how to dose Valproic Acid correctly and identify usual dosage ranges.
Pharmacological Effects:
- Explore the mechanisms of Valproic Acid.
- Understand how Valproic Acid works in the brain to treat mood stabilizers and other conditions.
- Discuss the impact of Valproic Acid on neurotransmitter levels and brain chemistry.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Absorption: Understand how Valproic Acid is absorbed in the body.
- Distribution: Learn about the distribution of Valproic Acid in the body.
- Metabolism: Discuss the metabolism of Valproic Acid.
- Elimination: Understand how Valproic Acid is eliminated from the body.
- Half–life: Know the half-life of Valproic Acid and its clinical significance.
Drug Interactions:
- Identify common drug interactions with Valproic Acid and strategies for managing them.
- Understand the mechanisms through which these interactions occur.
- Know which medications should be avoided with Valproic Acid due to drug interactions.
Common Side Effects:
- Learn about the most common side effects of Valproic Acid.
- Understand potential life-threatening side effects and how to manage them.
- Educate patients on what to expect and how to manage side effects.
Contraindications:
- Learn the conditions under which Valproic Acid should not be used.
- Understand the reasons why these conditions are contraindicated.
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response:
- Learn about the best augmenting combinations for patients with partial response to Valproic Acid.
- Discover effective strategies for augmenting Valproic Acid therapy.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of common augmentation strategies.
Recommended Lab Tests:
- Learn about recommended lab tests for safe and effective monitoring.
- Identify necessary lab tests to monitor patients on Valproic Acid.
- Interpret lab results to guide treatment adjustments.
Therapeutic Monitoring:
- Apply strategies for therapeutic monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Know about the therapeutic blood levels for Valproic Acid.
Overdose:
- Understand the signs and symptoms of Valproic Acid overdose.
- Recognize early warning signs of overdose and effective management strategies.
Tapering/Withdrawal:
- Apply best practices for tapering and withdrawal of Valproic Acid to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Follow the best protocols based on decades of clinical practice to safely taper Valproic Acid.
- Educate patients on the process and expected symptoms of tapering.
Usage with Special Populations:
- Gain insights into the unique considerations for prescribing Valproic Acid to special populations such as pregnancy, lactation, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, cardiac impairment, elderly, and children.
- Tailor Valproic Acid dosage for special populations considering their unique needs.
- Understand the risks and benefits of Valproic Acid use in these populations.
Important Pearls:
- Learn about essential clinical pearls to enhance practice and ensure patient safety.
- Understand the most important facts about Valproic Acid based on decades of clinical practice.
- Apply practical tips and experiences from clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
