Increasing levels of GABA may help prevent brain signals that lead to seizures.
Restoring the natural balance of chemicals in the brain is also believed to help lessen the severe mood swings associated with bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Depakote for epilepsy treatment in 1983.
It was approved to treat bipolar disorder in 1995, and in 1996 it was approved for use as a migraine prevention medication. Abbot Laboratories manufactures Depakote.
In 2012, Abbot Laboratories pleaded guilty to federal charges for marketing Depakote as a drug to control agitation and aggression in elderly nursing home patients.
They also marketed Depakote as a schizophrenia medication, even though their own studies showed no benefit.
Neither of these uses had FDA approval. Abbot agreed to pay $1.6 billion to settle the case.
The FDA requires Depakote to carry a black-box warning because it can cause serious liver damage that could be fatal, especially in children younger than 2.
The risk of this happening is higher in the first six months of taking the drug. In some cases liver damage continued even after patients stopped taking Depakote.
There is an additional black-box warning linking Depakote to cases of life-threatening pancreatitis.
In some cases, patients who developed pancreatitis rapidly went from initial symptoms to death, so getting medical treatment quickly is essential.
If you develop abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a stomach that is tender to the touch, call 911 immediately.
Pancreatitis was reported in people who took this drug for a short time as well as in those who took it for years.
You should not take Depakote if you have a history of liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers' disease (a progressive degenerative disease of the central nervous system that occurs mostly in infants and children), or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (the formal name for Alper's Disease).
The FDA warns Depakote can harm an unborn baby. Women who take this medication while pregnant could give birth to a child with serious birth defects.
The most common are those that affect the brain and spinal cord, particularly spina bifida or neural tube defects. These defects occur in one or two babies out of 100 that are exposed to Depakote before birth.
Unfortunately, these defects can develop in the very first month of pregnancy, before you even know you are pregnant.
Studies also show if you take Depakote during pregnancy, your child is at risk for having a lower IQ.
The FDA warns that women who take this drug should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Depakote passes into breast milk. There have not been reports of harm to breastfeeding infants, but talk to your doctor about any risks to your child before you begin breastfeeding.
Because one of the risks of this drug is an increase in the chance of liver damage, you should be on the lookout for these symptoms:
Depakote can cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new:
This drug may cause life-threatening pancreatitis. Get emergency attention if you develop:
Encephalopathy, a severe (sometimes fatal) brain disorder is a rare but possible side effect of this drug, especially in patients with certain metabolic disorders (urea cycle disorders).
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop unexplained weakness, vomiting, or sudden mental/mood changes like confusion.
Nausea is quite common when taking this medication. Between 10 and 20 percent of people who take Depakote report being nauseous at some point.
Common side effects of Depakote include:
Serious side effects of Depakote include:
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction to this medication:
Drinking alcohol could increase nervous system side effects of Depakote like drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment.
Avoid alcohol altogether or limit how much you drink while taking this medication.
The following drugs could interact moderately with Depakote:
In addition, certain anticonvulsants, barbiturates, and hydantoins could interact with Depakote.
In some cases, the effect of a barbiturate could increase to toxic levels while the potency of Depakote could decrease, making the medicine ineffective.
You should always tell your healthcare professional about all prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter, illegal and recreational drugs, herbal remedies, nutritional and dietary supplements, and any other drugs and treatments you are taking.
Do not take more or less of this medication than your doctor prescribed. Always follow the dosing label to get the best results.
Your dose will depend on your condition and what works for you. Your doctor may change your dose occasionally to make sure you are getting the best results.
Do not crush or chew Depakote tablets or Depakote ER tablets. Swallow them whole.
Depakote Sprinkle Capsules may be swallowed whole, or broken open and sprinkled on a small amount of soft food like applesauce or pudding.
Once you have mixed the contents of the capsule with food it must be taken immediately; you can't save the dose for later.
Consider wearing a medic alert tag or carrying an ID card letting emergency healthcare providers know that you're on a seizure medication.
Drink plenty of water when you're taking this drug, your doctor may change your dose if you are not getting enough fluids.
Do not stop taking Depakote without talking to your healthcare provider first. Stopping a seizure medication like Depakote suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms or other problems.
In a patient who has epilepsy, quitting abruptly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus).
If you suspect you've overdosed on this medication, seek emergency medical attention or call a poison help line at (800) 222-1222.
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
Do not "double up" on this medication to make up for a missed dose.
A: Depakote (divalproex sodium) is used for the treatment of bipolar disorder, epilepsy, chronic pain associated with neuropathy, and migraine headaches. The most common side effects with Depakote include nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain, stomach upset, rash, diarrhea, increased appetite, pain, tremor, weight gain, back pain, hair loss, headache, fever, loss of appetite, constipation, double/blurred vision, side-to-side eye movements, staggering, emotional upset, abnormal thinking, amnesia, flu syndrome, infection, bronchitis, runny nose, bruising, swelling of the arms or legs, insomnia, nervousness, depression, sore throat, shortness of breath, and ringing of the ears. These are not all the possible side effects of Depakote. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist. For more specific information and recommendations, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your specific condition and current medications.
A: Studies have shown that Depakote can cause birth defects. Depakote is classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as pregnancy category D and can cause harm to an unborn baby. It is important to contact your health care provider immediately if you become pregnant while taking Depakote. Do not discontinue taking Depakote until you speak with your doctor. The information available for Depakote indicates that an effective form of birth control should be used while being treated with this medication and you should not start using Depakote without speaking to your doctor if you are pregnant. For additional information regarding Depakote, you may want to visit our Web site: http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/depakote.
A: The questions that you are asking should be discussed with your health care provider. Over-the-counter medications that may help keep you awake interact with the medications you are taking and should be avoided. You should also mention to your provider the hot flashes you are having. All strange feelings you see or feeling should be reported to your provider, so he or she can give the best treatment possible for all your medical conditions. Gerald Levy, RPh
A: Depakote (divalproex sodium) may lead to a false urine ketone test. The reason is that the body gets rid of valproate's waste product (which is similar in structure to ketones) through the urine. Regarding the other medication you mentioned (Resperidine), unfortunately, we're unable to answer your question because we could not find any drug by that name.
A: It sounds like managing your mother
A: Alcohol is not recommended while taking Depakote ER since the alcohol may increase the chance of side effects occurring. Having 1 glass of wine may be okay, but it would be best to ask your doctor before doing so. They know your medical history and can better determine the risks that this may pose. Megan Uehara, PharmD
A: It is always important to be aware of the side effects of a medication so you can recognize the symptoms if they occur. According to the literature available, sexual dysfunction and changes in libido performance were not reported side effects associated with treatment with Depakote. If you have been experiencing a change in libido, you may want to contact your health care provider to determine the cause and best treatment option available. For more information regarding Depakote or bipolar disorder, you may want to visit our Web site: http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/depakote or http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/bipolar/index.aspx. Beth Isaac, PharmD
A: Depakote (divalproex sodium) (http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/depakote) is used as therapy for seizures and also for behavioral issues related to bipolar disorder. Common side effects of Depakote may include tremor, somnolence, and diplopia or double vision. A search of prescribing information did report that hepatic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in people receiving Depakote and other similar drugs. Serious or fatal hepatotoxicity may be preceded by non-specific symptoms such as malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial edema, anorexia, and vomiting. In patients with epilepsy, a loss of seizure control may also occur. Patients should be monitored closely for appearance of these symptoms. Liver function tests should be performed prior to therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter, especially during the first six months. (http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/bipolar/index.aspx) (http://www.everydayhealth.com/epilepsy/understanding/what-causes-epilepsy.aspx) This is not a complete list of side effects associated with Depakote, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Kimberly Hotz, PharmD
A: Depakote (divalproex sodium) affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures. It is used to treat various types of seizure disorders, either alone or in combination with other seizure medications. Common side effects of Depakote include drowsiness, weakness, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, depression, anxiety, other emotional changes, changes in your menstrual periods, enlarged breasts, shakiness, hair loss, weight changes, vision changes, and unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth. This is not a complete list of side effects that can occur with Depakote. In rare cases, Depakote can cause liver damage or pancreatitis. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Pancreatitis can develop at any point during treatment, even if you have been taking Depakote for a long period of time. Depakote can also cause birth defects. So, it is important to use effective birth control when taking Depakote. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment or want to try to become pregnant. Do not use Depakote during pregnancy unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Sarah Lewis, PharmD
A: Depakote (divalproex) is an anticonvulsant and antimanic agent. Depakote may be used to prevent seizures, treat bipolar disorder or prevent migraines. The most common side effects with Depakote are headache, change in appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, nausea, insomnia, weight changes. Other side effects with Depakote include nervousness, pain, vomiting, tremor, and flu-like symptoms. This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with Depakote. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including dietary supplements, vitamins, botanicals, minerals, and herbals, as well as the foods you eat. Always keep a current list of the drugs and supplements you take and review it with your health care providers and your pharmacist. If possible, use one pharmacy for all your prescription medications and over-the-counter products. This allows your pharmacist to keep a complete record of all your prescription drugs and to advise you about drug interactions and side effects. Tell your health care provider about any negative side effects from prescription drugs. You can also report them to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. Laura Cable, PharmD
A: Depakote (divalproex sodium) (http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/depakote) affects chemicals in the brain that cause seizures. Depakote is used as therapy for seizures and also for behavioral issues related to bipolar disorder. Common side effects of Depakote may include tremor, somnolence, and diplopia or double vision. Other side effects include drowsiness, weight changes, unusual taste, diarrhea and upset stomach.(http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/bipolar/index.aspx) (http://www.everydayhealth.com/epilepsy/understanding/what-causes-epilepsy.aspx) This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with Depakote. Kimberly Hotz, PharmD
A: It is always important to be aware of the side effects of a medication so you can recognize the symptoms if they occur. According to the literature available, sexual dysfunction and changes in libido performance were not reported side effects associated with treatment with Depakote. If you have been experiencing a change in libido, you may want to contact your health care provider to determine the cause and best treatment option available. For more information regarding Depakote or bipolar disorder: http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/depakote http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/bipolar/index.aspx Beth Isaac, PharmD
A: Severe drowsiness is a side effect of Depakote. The medication comes in an extended release form. If this is not what your husband is taking, perhaps the physician will switch to this. This would level out the blood level concentrations. There have been no documented reports of anger outbursts. For any immediate concerns, consult your physician. For more information, there are several articles on Depakote: http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/search?browse_type=m&q=depakote+er&src=ww_ctsearch Joseph Hall, RPh
A: Some people who have taken Depakote (divalproex sodium) for many years have experienced some bone loss. Taking both calcium and vitamin D may help to prevent this kind of problem. Doctors often recommend a bone density test to identify which people need treatment for bone loss. This is not a common reaction. Side effects tend to be patient-specific so check with your doctor for further evaluation if this continues to be a concern.
A: Your question regards taking Tegretol (carbamazepine) http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/tegretol and Depakote (divalproex) http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/depakote and wondering if you need additional vitamin supplementation beyond a multivitamin. According to Lexi-Comp, it is recommended that you drink adequate amounts of water while taking Tegretol, and grapefruit juice should be avoided. Tegretol has a possible adverse reaction of causing hyponatremia, which means there is a decrease in the amount of salt in the body fluids. According to research articles, biotin can also be depleted by anti-seizure medications. Antiepileptic medications have also shown to lower folate levels. Research also speculates a decrease in inositol from Depakote. There could be other issues, too. The recommendation is to talk with your health care provider to determine if any additional vitamins should be taken beyond a multivitamin. Your health care provider could perform lab work to check for deficiencies. As always, talk with your health care provider about your medication questions. To learn more about epilepsy, visit the Everyday Health epilepsy center: http://www.everydayhealth.com/epilepsy/index.aspx. Jen Marsico, RPh
A: Depakote (divalproex sodium) is used for the treatment of bipolar disorder, epilepsy (seizure disorder), chronic pain associated with neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the nervous system), and migraine headaches. The most common side effects with Depakote include nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain, stomach upset, rash, diarrhea, increased appetite, pain, tremor, weight gain, back pain, hair loss, headache, fever, loss of appetite, constipation, double/blurred vision, side-to-side eye movements, staggering, emotional upset, abnormal thinking, amnesia, flu syndrome, infection, bronchitis, runny nose, bruising, swelling of the arms or legs, insomnia, nervousness, depression, sore throat, shortness of breath, and ringing of the ears. Other side effects reported with Depakote include hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure). These are not all the possible side effects of Depakote. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD
By Beth Schneider | Medically Reviewed by Sherry Brooks, MD
Latest Update: 2014-10-31