Depakote Drug Profile and Side Effects

Depakote Drug Profile and Side Effects Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Depakote for Bipolar Disorder Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on June 09, 2019 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Depakote Depakote (divalproex sodium, sodium  valproate, and valproic acid) is an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication that is also used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Depakene contains the same medicationâ€"the difference is that Depakote is coated, which is thought to decrease some of the gastrointestinal side effects. Uses, Forms, and Levels Depakote is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes, with or without psychotic features. Its also approved to prevent  migraines and treat epilepsy and is frequently prescribed for people who have hypomania. Like other medications, Depakote is sometimes prescribed off-label for other conditions as well. This drug is available in a variety of forms and dosages, including capsules, sprinkles, extended-release tablets, delayed-release tablets, and syrup. Depakote levels are routinely checked with blood tests to make sure you have neither too little nor too much in your system. Too little will render it ineffective while too much may be toxic. Side Effects The most common side effects of Depakote include:? Somnolence  (drowsiness)DyspepsiaNauseaVomitingDiarrheaDizzinessRinging in the earsAbdominal painRashConstipationCoordination problemsAgitationBack painMood swingsBlurred visionHeadacheShakingChanges in appetiteUnusual weight gain or lossHair loss Let your doctor know if these side effects are severe or if they arent going away. Warnings Here are some of the warnings associated with Depakote:There is some risk of increased suicidal ideation and behavior in patients being treated with this category of anticonvulsants.There has been some correlation of Depakote with liver problems, so your doctor may check your liver function with blood tests.Depakote can cause damage to your pancreas, and if this is diagnosed, it should ordinarily be discontinued. Symptoms that can indicate liver or pancreas problems include dark urine, nausea, vomiting, clay-colored stools, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Emergency medical attention is needed if these symptoms appear.In elderly patients, dosage adjustment and close monitoring of potential side effects is important. Depakote and Pregnancy Depakote should only be used with extreme caution if youre pregnant. Birth defects, such as spina bifida, are up to 10 times as likely to occur, and developmental problems, such as lowered IQ, have been reported. Talk to your doctor about your medication options if youre pregnant or are considering getting pregnant. Depakote is excreted in breast milk. According to the FDA, strong consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing when Depakote is given to a nursing woman, as it may harm the infant. If you plan to nurse your child, make sure your doctor knows youre taking Depakote. Drug Interactions Taking Depakote and Lamictal (lamotrigine) together can increase the likelihood of serious skin rashes, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The Lamictal dosage should be reduced when its co-administered with Depakote. There are many other medications that can interact with Depakote and increase potential side effects, including common drugs, like aspirin. You should inform your doctor about all other medications, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbs, that youre taking along with Depakote.