SWITCHING TO THE DIFFERENT FORM OF VALPROATS IN TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY
A total of 21 patients (11 males and 10 females, aged 26.8 ±3.4 years on average) with various forms of epilepsy stayed under observation. The average duration of disease as of the research commencement was 8.6 ±1.2 years. Main criteria for inclusion: diagnosis of epilepsy made according to the applicable "International Classification of Epilepsy and Epileptic Syndromes", and a reference pertaining to the use of sodium valproate (depakin) in the treatment scheme. The average daily dose of antiepileptic drug amounted to 1350 ±94 mg daily. It has been suggested that a single-step replacement of the prolonged-release medications namely, sodium valproate (depakin chrono), by valoproic acid (convulex retard) results in an aggravated course of epilepsy in 28.6% of case. Changes in EEG indices were registered already on day 3 since convulex was administered and were seen as strengthened slow-wave activity, with its transformation into discharging (by day 14 of therapy) with a further increase of dysrhythmia and discharging activity. After antiepileptic drug being replaced, all patients demonstrated changes of maximum concentration in plasma directly connected with EEG parameters dynamics. Based on the research findings, it is not possible to confirm bioequivalence of valproats with prolonged release, namely, depakin chrono and convulex retard. Antiepileptic drug shall be replaced only in exclusive cases and under pharmacokinetic control.