What is the drug Depakote used for?

What is the drug Depakote used for?

Valproate is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), seizures (epilepsy), and migraine headaches. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and/or mania.

Why Depakote is bad for you?

Side effects of Depakote and Depakote ER can be serious and sometimes deadly. Depakote side effects include liver damage, life-threatening pancreatitis, suicidal thoughts, and blood and metabolic disorders. When women take Depakote during pregnancy, their children have a higher risk of birth defects.

Is Depakote a good mood stabilizer?

Bipolar disorder is often treated with medications referred to as mood stabilizers, such as lithium or Depakote (valproate) and Tegretol (carbamazepine). These medications can be very effective in treating hypomania or mania and preventing the recurrence of bipolar episodes.

How does Depakote make you feel?

A: Common side effects experienced with Depakote include drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss. The side effects may be mild to moderate, but they may also be signs of a more serious condition.

Is Depakote used for 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.

Can Depakote change your personality?

What are the potential psychological side effects of taking Depakote? Depakote causes suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people who take the medication. Seek medical help if you experience these thoughts or other changes in your behavior or mood.

Does Depakote help with sleep?

Valproic acid (Depakote) - helps somewhat with insomnia.

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.

Do you gain weight on Depakote?

Weight changes Depakote often causes an increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain. People taking it to treat migraine headaches may have decreased serotonin levels, which can also lead to cravings and overeating.

Is Depakote good for 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.

How long does it take for Depakote to start working?

• In Depakote, Migraine Headaches, Medication and Drugs. As with many other psychiatric medications it can take 2 to 6 weeks for effects to kick in.

What are the side effects, if any, when stopping Depakote?

• Stopping Depakote quickly is not recommended. Your healthcare provider will suggest that you wean yourself off Depakote slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Other withdrawal symptoms may include dizziness, tremors/shakiness, irritability, anxiety and depression.

What can replace Depakote?

• Lithium carbonate (Lithium) is used as an alternative to Depakote in treatment of bipolar disorder (6). It acts to calm down the mood and decrease extremes in behavior by re-establishing the equilibrium of certain neurotransmitters in brain (7).

Is Depakote a narcotic?

• Depakote has active ingredients of divalproex sodium. It is often used in bipolar disorder. Narcotic abuse. Narcotic abuse (addiction of narcotic (pain killer )) has been reported by people with drug abuse and dependence, drug abuse, pain, drug dependence, depression (latest reports from 44,638 Narcotic abuse patients).