Valnoctamide is an isomer of the valproic acid amide, valpromide. It has been marketed as an anxiolytic and sedative compound and suppresses neuropathic pain. Unlike valpromide, valnoctamide is not metabolized to its acid form, valnoctic acid, in vivo and has no teratogenicity. It abolishes the activity of myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase in human brain crude homogenates (Ki = 0.18 mM). Valnoctamide suppresses electrographic seizures in animal models of status epilepticus, suggesting potential applications in managing epilepsy.
