Use of Sustained Release Antiepileptic Medication (Depakote® ER) for Pediatric Epilepsy in a Mental Retardation/Developmental Disorder Population

Participants will initially be consented into the study, and receive baseline assessments. At the baseline visit, seizure types (partial, primary generalized, secondary generalized), seizure foci localization, and additional medication treatment status for the duration of the study will be established. IQ status which has been done (either by the school system or as part of a developmental assessment,) will be used. Behavioral status will be verified and related to seizure activity as well. Behavioral measures will include the Vineland (a measure of life skills assessment) and the Child Behavior Checklist. Participants then return for a study visit two weeks later. At that time initial laboratory tests will be done including a trough level of valproic acid. Pregnancy tests will be done on all females of childbearing potential, because of the known risk of valproic acid during pregnancy. Participants will return for a third study visit two weeks later where another trough valproic acid level will be obtained, and effective dosage conversion of Depakote® Sprinkle to Depakote® ER will occur. Subsequent study visits will occur at weeks 6 and 8 (2 and 4 weeks respectively, after the dose conversion); trough valproic acid levels will be obtained each time. At each study visit, neurologic (seizure control) and behavioral status will be reviewed as well as monitoring for side effects and adverse events. Each study visit will also include instruction and coaching regarding strategies for pill swallowing and other aspects of adherence to treatment regimen. Compliance will be ascertained by means of drug level monitoring pre and post dosage conversion. Clinical global improvement in functioning for both behavioral issues and epilepsy will be assessed. The study will conclude after the 5th visit. Table of Events Visit 1 2 3 4 5 Day -28 -14 0 14 28 Week -4 -2 0 2 4 Informed Consent X Eligibility Criteria X X Demographics X Medical and Surgical History X IQ verification X QOLIE X X Vineland X X CBCL X X Seizure assessment X X X X X Physical and Neurologic exam X X X VS X X X Lab assessments X X