Does Depakote have long term side effects?
Yes, it's possible for Depakote and Depakote ER to cause long-term side effects. Liver damage, including liver failure, has been reported. Pancreatitis (swelling and damage of the pancreas) has also been reported, including in people who've taken Depakote for years.
What patients should not use Depakote?
Who should not take Depakote?high amount of ammonium in the blood.low amount of albumin proteins in the blood.hereditary liver metabolism disorder.decreased blood platelets.suicidal thoughts.depression.organic mental disorder.liver problems.More items...
What does Depakote do for mood?
Anticonvulsants are sometimes taken to treat the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Depakote is sometimes prescribed when patients experience rapid cycling of mood episodes and works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mania.
Can Depakote make you angry?
Divalproex sodium may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
What happens when you stop taking Depakote?
Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems. Stopping a seizure medicine suddenly in a patient who has epilepsy can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus). Suicidal thoughts or actions can be caused by things other than medicines.
What should be monitored on Depakote?
Dosage should be increased more slowly and with regular monitoring for fluid and nutritional intake, dehydration, somnolence, and other adverse reactions. Dose reductions or discontinuation of valproate should be considered in patients with decreased food or fluid intake and in patients with excessive somnolence.
What is an alternative to Depakote?
sodium valproate (Depakote) lamotrigine (Lamictal) topiramate (Topamax) gabapentin (Neurontin)
How long does it take for Depakote to stabilize mood?
Response and effectiveness. The time it takes for Depakote to reach its peak effects depends on the formulation used. Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles).
Is there a lawsuit against Depakote?
Over the years, millions of patients have taken the medication. Unfortunately, Depakote has been linked to serious medical complications such as birth defects. As a result, numerous lawsuits have been filed in the courts.
Does Depakote affect personality?
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Depakote, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Is 500mg of Depakote a lot?
Dosage for migraine headaches Your doctor may increase your dose up to a maximum dose of 1,000 mg/day, as needed. The starting dosage of Depakote ER tablets is 500 mg, taken once per day for 1 week. After this, your doctor may increase your dose up to a maximum of 1,000 mg/day, as needed.
Does Depakote help with anxiety?
Valproic Acid (Depakote) Valproic acid is an epilepsy medication that is now used for the treatment of panic attacks as well as other psychiatric problems.
What medication has a condition drug interaction with high blood pressure?
Acetaminophen. Alcohol, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA and derivatives), and cocaine. Angiogenesis inhibitors (including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies) Antidepressants (including venlafaxine, bupropion, and desipramine)
Can Depakote be used for major depression?
Doctors prescribe Depakote (divalproex sodium) for various uses, including to treat certain mental health conditions. While Depakote isn't approved to treat major depressive disorder, doctors may recommend it for depression and mania associated with bipolar disorder.
Can you take Depakote and gabapentin together?
Using gabapentin together with divalproex sodium may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
Is Depakote ER safe?
DEPAKOTE can cause serious side effects, including: Serious liver damage that can cause death, especially in children younger than 2 years old. The risk of getting this serious liver damage is more likely to happen within the first 6 months of treatment.