Drug interactions
Esketamine + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Esketamine and Valproic acid: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Valproic acid can cause sedation and cognitive slowing, and may add to esketamine effects on alertness and coordination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esketamine and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Esketamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Monitor sedation after esketamine administration and counsel on avoiding driving until the next day.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Esketamine
Other interactions of Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esketamine with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Esketamine and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Valproic acid can cause sedation and cognitive slowing, and may add to esketamine effects on alertness and coordination.
How serious is the interaction between Esketamine and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation after esketamine administration and counsel on avoiding driving until the next day.
What other medicines interact with Esketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esketamine with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Esketamine page.
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