This preliminary study supports further investigation of divalproex in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.

By random assignment, subjects received either divalproex sodium or placebo in conjunction with lithium.

After cessation of chemotherapy and administration of olanzapine and divalproex sodium, symptoms were subsided within 10 days.

The present study represents an open-label clinical trial comparing treatment with a benzodiazepine (lorazepam) to divalproex in 11 inpatients with uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome.