Drug Uses

Depakote is a drug that is used in the treatment of different types of seizure disorders, manic phase of bipolar disorders (manic–depressive illness) and to prevent migraine headaches.

How it is taken

The best way to use Depakote is as recommended by your doctor. Depakote must be taken by mouth preferably with a meal. It must be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing and ensure that you take it at the same time each day.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Depakote then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

A Depakote overdose may lead to symptoms like deep sleep, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have a history of metabolic disease, blood disease, HIV, high blood levels of ammonia or glutamine, low levels of albumin, brain problems (eg, organic brain disease), mental retardation, inflammation of the pancreas, kidney problems, or low levels of white blood cells, or if you are scheduled for surgery, have a history of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency or unexplained coma.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or have a history of liver conditions, low levels of the enzyme ornithine carbamoyltransferase, or a urea cycle disorder.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Depakote and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with Depakote and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Depakote is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

The dosage for Depakote has to be lowered gradually. Do not stop taking it suddenly for it may lead to seizures.

The drug is also associated with the inflammation of the pancreas which is a potentially life threatening disease.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Depakote before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Depakote should be used with utmost caution in children less than 10 years of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Diabetics should consult their doctor before making any changes to their medicine routine.

Depakote may cause certain lab tests (urine ketone) to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel knows that you are taking the drug.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are change in appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, headache, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, trouble sleeping, vomiting, and weight changes. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abdominal cramps, abnormal thinking, change in menstrual period, changes in mood or behavior, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, difficulty speaking, difficulty urinating or other urination problems, extreme tiredness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, general body discomfort, hallucinations, hearing loss, involuntary movements of the arms and legs, involuntary movements or chewing movements of face, jaw, mouth, or tongue, joint pain, lack of energy, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, loss of seizure control, memory loss, nosebleed, pounding in the chest, severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, sore throat, swelling of the arms or legs, tremor, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weakness, vision changes, yellowing of skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.