Catalogue of side effects for the generic medications Valproic Acid and Divalproex Sodium, sold under many brand names including Depakote and Depakene. These anticonvulsants are frequently used as mood stabilizers in the management of bipolar disorder aka manic depression.
Common Side Effects:
Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Abdominal or stomach cramps (mild); change in menstrual periods; diarrhea; hair loss; indigestion; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; trembling of hands and arms; unusual weight loss or gain
Less Common Side Effects:
Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Clumsiness or unsteadiness; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; skin rash; unusual excitement, restlessness, or irritability
Always Notify Doctor:
Less Common: Abdominal or stomach cramps (severe); behavioral, mood, or mental changes; continuous, uncontrolled back-and-forth and/or rolling eye movements; double vision; increase in seizures; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting (continuing); spots before eyes; swelling of face; tiredness and weakness; unusual bleeding or bruising; yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Further Reading
