← Search & browse all drugs
NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Other hypnotics and sedatives
valnoctamide
N05CM13
Forms & Strengths
- Oral tablets: 250 mg
- Oral tablets: 500 mg
- Extended‑release tablets 500 mg (if available)
Adult Dosing
- Epilepsy: 500 mg twice daily; may increase to 1500 mg/day in divided doses
- Bipolar mania: 500–1500 mg/day in divided doses
- Maximum 2000 mg/day
Pediatric Dosing
- Limited data; typical dose 10–20 mg/kg/day divided BID, not to exceed adult max
- Use only in children ≥12 yr or as specialist‑directed therapy
Indications
- Adjunctive treatment of partial‑onset seizures
- Adjunctive treatment of generalized tonic‑clonic seizures
- Acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder
Mechanism of Action
- Modulates GABAergic transmission
- Inhibits voltage‑gated sodium channels
- Reduces neuronal hyperexcitability, similar to valproic acid
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to valnoctamide or valproate
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Urea cycle disorders
- Pregnancy (Category X)
Adverse Reactions
- Drowsiness/sedation
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Weight gain
- Tremor
- Ataxia
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Leukopenia
- Rash
Drug Interactions
- May increase plasma levels of phenytoin
- May decrease carbamazepine levels via enzyme induction
- Potential additive CNS depression with other depressants
- May potentiate warfarin anticoagulant effect
- Avoid concomitant use with other sodium‑channel blockers without monitoring
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use