Description

Depakote: What Is It?

Depakote is an anticonvulsant medication that affects nerve activity in the brain. Doctors prescribe different types of Depakote depending on the condition of the patient. For example, instructions for taking delayed-release and extended-release products are different, so patients should follow the prescription they are given.

Patients should not change formulation, dose or treatment schedule without consulting a healthcare professional.

### What is Depakote used for?

Depakote has a number of approved medical uses. First, doctors may prescribe it for some types of seizures, like complex partial seizures and some absence seizures. It may also be used as part of treatment for patients with multiple seizure types.

Depakote is also approved for treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It’s also approved for migraine prevention. However, it doesn’t treat a migraine once it’s already started.

What Is Depakote Used For?

Depakote is in a class of medications called valproates. It alters some of the chemical processes in the nervous system that may help control the abnormal electrical activity associated with seizures. As such, it can also help to manage some neurological and mood conditions when prescribed appropriately.

Potential Side Effects

Like other prescription drugs, Depakote can cause side effects. Patients may present with:

• Nausea and/or emesis
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Appetite changes
• Shivers
• Drowsiness

But serious reactions can happen as well. Serious warnings exist for Depakote regarding liver toxicity and pancreatitis. Get medical help right away if you have any of these signs of a serious stomach problem: severe stomach pain, keep vomiting, feel unusually weak, have no appetite, dark urine, or notice your skin or eyes turning yellow.

Important pregnancy alert

When Depakote is used during pregnancy, major foetal harm can occur, including neural tube defects, other birth defects and developmental problems. Pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant or women of childbearing potential should therefore discuss the risks and alternative treatments with a healthcare professional before taking valproate.

FAQs

What is Depakote used to treat?

Depakote may be prescribed by doctors to treat certain seizure disorders, manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and to prevent migraine headaches.

Yes. Depakote is a prescription medication.

Yes. Depakote is a prescription medication and should only be taken under the care of a doctor.

Can you just stop taking Depakote?

Do not stop taking Depakote without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping an anticonvulsant can cause serious problems with seizures.

Is Depakote checked?

Yes. Valproate can cause serious adverse reactions . Health care professionals may order laboratory tests including liver related testing .

Overall

Depakote is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of seizures and bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines. When selected appropriately by a healthcare professional, it can also be quite beneficial. But it also has serious risks, especially to the liver, pancreas and pregnancy.