This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.People over age 65 years of age break down (metabolize) drugs differently than younger adults. It is not known why this happens nor how elderly people break down these drugs. These differences may show a need for lower doses of medications to be given to elderly individuals to avoid possible toxicity. We are interested in studying how the elderly differ from younger people in their metabolism of antiseizure medication, in this case, valproic acid. This research may indicate that doses of valproic acid should be lowered as people get older. Sixty males and females who are currently taking valproic acid for either epilepsy or bipolar disorder will be studied (20 in 18-50 yr group, 20 in 65-74 yr group and 20 in >75 yr group).
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