Combined anti-seizure drug and omega-3 may lower COVID-19 risks

Ronald Rodriguez, MD, Ph.D. has discovered that the combination of valproic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and lessen its severity, according to a study.

Valproic acid is a common anti-seizure medication, and DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid known to improve brain and heart health.

Rodriguez's previous adenoviral gene therapy research in prostate cancer had led him to explore the antiviral potential of valproic acid. Approved by the U.S. FDA, valproic acid showed promise in preventing the COVID virus from replicating, but initial doses proved potentially toxic.

"A combination of a nutritional supplement and an anti-seizure drug in the right ratios with the right timing could be very profound in inhibiting the development of and replication of COVID and more importantly, because of the way it works, there are a couple of thousand genes that are affected," Rodriguez said.

A review of electronic medical records data from more than 3 million patients showed those taking valproic acid were less likely to develop COVID-19, and those patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were less likely to be admitted to the emergency room, inpatient hospital and intensive care unit (ICU).

"Valproic acid in combination with DHA strongly activates ancient antiviral pathways against large classes of viruses in the cells that are usually repressed by viruses, like coronaviruses. When they get in, the first thing they do is repress many of these antiviral pathways. This combination drug overcomes that and then turns it on to a strong extent and those ancient pathways are able to rid themselves of the virus," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez and his research team envision usage of the valproic acid combo as a short-term, preventive treatment to avoid getting COVID-19 or to lessen its severity.

More 'supplements'. Just wow. This poses some serious risks:

From the posted article:

Approved by the U.S. FDA, valproic acid showed promise in preventing the COVID virus from replicating, but initial doses proved potentially toxic.
"A combination of a nutritional supplement and an anti-seizure drug in the right ratios with the right timing could be very profound in inhibiting the development of and replication of COVID and more importantly, because of the way it works, there are a couple of thousand genes that are affected,"

Plus:

Rodriguez's previous adenoviral gene therapy research in prostate cancer had led him to explore the antiviral potential of valproic acid.

So, he hit a dead end on the prostate research, got a kidney transplant and jinked to secure covid funding to keep the lights on, but the right ratios to prevent toxicity remain a mystery.

Valproic acid (VPA) ia as a highly prevalent medication with multifaceted therapeutic applications in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. The therapeutic uses of VPA include epilepsy treatment across different seizure types, bipolar disorder management, and migraine prophylaxis.

From the manufacturer:

VALPROIC ACID - ORAL
(val-PROE-ik As-id)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Depakene
WARNING: Rarely, this medication has caused serious (sometimes fatal) liver problems, usually within the first 6 months of starting treatment. Lab tests should be performed before you start treatment and periodically during treatment, especially within the first 6 months, to monitor this side effect. The risk of serious liver problems is increased in children younger than 2 years, especially if they have an inherited metabolic disorder, severe seizure disorder with mental retardation, organic brain disease, or if they take more than one seizure medication. Talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication in children younger than 2 years.Due to an increased risk for liver problems, people with certain inherited metabolic disorders (such as Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome) should not use this medication. Children younger than 2 years who might have these disorders should not use this medication. Children older than 2 years who might have these disorders should be closely monitored during treatment with valproic acid. Talk to your doctor for details.This medication has rarely caused severe (sometimes fatal) disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This may occur at any time during treatment and can quickly worsen.Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems or pancreatitis such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, unusual tiredness, weakness, swelling of the face, stomach/abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing eyes/skin. Taking this medication during pregnancy can cause birth defects, may lower your child's IQ, and may increase the risk of your child having certain brain/mental disorders (such as autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Men and women using this medication should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, other treatment options, and use of reliable forms of birth control with their doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, or if you or your partner becomes pregnant or may be pregnant, immediately talk to your doctor. If you are taking valproic acid only to prevent migraine headaches, this medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you are taking valproic acid to treat seizures or mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder), do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Untreated seizures and mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder) are serious conditions that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
USES:
This medication is used to treat seizure disorders, mental/mood conditions (such as manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
HOW TO USE:
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking valproic acid and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food if stomach upset occurs. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew the capsule, which can irritate the mouth or throat.The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day to keep the amount of medication in your blood constant.If this medication is used for seizures, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse if the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.This medication does not relieve acute migraine headaches. Take other medications as directed by your doctor for acute attacks.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve.
SIDE EFFECTS:
See also Warning section.Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, weight changes may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Parts of a capsule may appear in your stool. Tell your doctor right away if this occurs.A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.Severe (sometimes fatal) brain disorder (encephalopathy) has rarely occurred, particularly in patients with certain metabolic disorders (urea cycle disorders). Tell your doctor right away if you develop unexplained weakness, vomiting, or sudden mental/mood changes (such as confusion).Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, easy bruising/unexplained bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, swelling of hands/feet, uncontrolled eye movement (nystagmus), feeling cold/shivering, rapid breathing, loss of consciousness.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS:
See also Warning section.Before taking valproic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to divalproex or valproate sodium; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as peanut oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, pancreatitis, certain metabolic disorders (such as urea cycle disorders, Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome), alcohol abuse, bleeding problems, brain disease (dementia), kidney disease, dehydration, poor nutrition.To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Children younger than 6 years may be at greater risk for liver problems and pancreatitis.Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, or tremor. Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness can increase the risk of falling.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using valproic acid. Valproic acid may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. See also Warning section.This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, phenelzine), certain antibiotics (carbapenems such as imipenem), irinotecan, mefloquine, orlistat, other medications for seizure (such as ethosuximide, lamotrigine, rufinamide, topiramate), vorinostat, warfarin, zidovudine.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone).Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.This drug may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine ketones). Make sure lab personnel and your doctors know you use this medication.

From a paper on its toxicity:

Patients with acute ingestion of 200 mg/kg of valproate or serum valproate concentrations of 180 mg/L

"Sodium Valproate" is the only oral route prescription, dosed with: From StatPearls:

Strength.
The tablet form of the medication comes in 2 variations: a delayed-release formulation with strengths of 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg and an extended-release formulation with strengths of 250 mg and 500 mg.
The capsule form of the medication is available in 125 mg strength. The injectable formulation is offered at a concentration of 100 mg/mL.

And the clinical starting dosages are a FRACTION of the prescribed capsules/tablets (or whatever is available tomorrow).

Full disclosure: I am not an MD, but IMHO the measured risk of self-administering combinations of OTC & prescription medications - in particular THIS ONE - is EXTREMELY high.

I don't care who you are reading this: For the first COVID-19 virus type in 2020, maybe. Just maybe. But for a 'cold virus' in 2024-25, it ain't worth the risk.

C'mon, man.

(fair warning: I'm not going to keep doing this)

and

Full disclosure to others: A comment of this type MISSING from such a post does NOT signify the absence of risk to health.

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