How it Works (We think)
In truth, it is not fully understood how Valproic Acid works. Scientists have not been able to pinpoint exactly how the treatment helps treat the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. However, they have a general idea of what they think they know. They know how to tell a Bipolar brain from a normal brain.
Scientists do know some of the differences that the Bipolar brain has compared to a normal one. Studies have shown that bipolar people have different functioning in certain areas of the brain, particularly in the limbic system. It is this system that controls emotion, motivation, memory, and fear. This system includes the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the cingulate gyrus.
It is possible that a major contribution factor to the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder arise from a failure of these parts of the brain to communicate (Bipolar Lives).
We know that Valproic Acid acts on Gamma Amino Butyrate (GABA) levels in the brain, blocks voltage gated ion channels, and also acts as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. The impairment of GABA inhibitory activity is known to lead to convulsions. This makes the control of this pathway a target for anticonvulsants. VPA effectively elevates GABA levels in the brain, which can help control convulsive behavior
VPA is also believed to reduce the high-frequency firing of neurons by blocking voltage gated sodium, potassium, and calcium ion channels. How this is connected to the treatment of Bipolar Disorder is unknown to scientists (PharmGKB).
VPA is also believed to reduce the high-frequency firing of neurons by blocking voltage gated sodium, potassium, and calcium ion channels. How this is connected to the treatment of Bipolar Disorder is unknown to scientists (PharmGKB).