Exploring the anxiolytic effects of valproic acid: A systematic review

Le résumé fourni par la source

Sodium valproate, or valproic acid (VPA), is a drug traditionally used as an antiepileptic and mood stabilizer. Recent studies have highlighted its versatility in treating a wide range of conditions, including those related to anxiety. However, its use as an anxiolytic agent remains under investigation. To date, no systematic review has comprehensively examined the available scientific literature on this application. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the potential anxiolytic effects of VPA and to guide future research. A comprehensive literature search was carried out across three databases—Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycInfo—from inception to the present. A total of 57 studies were included (17 involving humans and 40 involving non-human models). Key variables were analyzed, including VPA dosage, experimental conditions, instruments used to measure anxiety, and the specific disorders addressed. The findings revealed evidence of an anxiolytic effect of VPA in the majority of included studies, with 80% of preclinical studies (in animal models) and 70.6% of clinical studies (in humans, either healthy or with pathology) reporting positive results. This review aims to support the design of future studies by clarifying the conditions under which VPA may be a suitable alternative to conventional anxiolytic treatments. It also encourages a re-evaluation of its cost-benefit ratio, contributing to more personalized clinical care and the repositioning of existing drugs.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.