- Depakote is an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Generic names are divalproex sodium, sodium valproate and valproic acid. Depakote is the coated form of Depakene. Coating is thought to decrease some of the gastrointestinal side effects.
- Depakote is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes, with or without psychotic features. It is also approved to treat migraines and epilepsy.
- This drug is available in a variety of forms and dosages, including capsules, sprinkles, extended-release capsules and oral solutions.
- Depakote levels are routinely followed through with blood tests.
- The most common side effects of Depakote when used for bipolar disorder are somnolence, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, abdominal pain and rash. Also, hair loss can occur for a time.
- There is some risk of increased suicidal ideation and behavior in patients being treated with this category of anticonvulsants. For more, see FDA Orders "Suicidal Ideation" Warning on Many Mood Stabilizers.
- Depakote should be given with extreme caution to patients with liver disease. There has been some correlation of Depakote with liver problems, so your doctor may check liver function with blood tests. Hepatotoxicity can be very dangerous.
- Depakote can cause pancreatitis. Patients and guardians should be warned that abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anorexia can be symptoms of pancreatitis that require prompt medical evaluation. If pancreatitis is diagnosed, valproate should ordinarily be discontinued.
- In elderly patients, dosage adjustment and close monitoring of potential side effects will be important. Doctors may monitor fluid and nutritional intake as dehydration may appear.
- Depakote should only be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. Birth defects such as spina bifida are up to 10 times as likely to occur, and developmental problems such as lowered IQ have been reported. In addition, there is a risk of potentially life-threatening blood clotting abnormalities. The FDA recommends that dietary folic acid supplementation both prior to and during pregnancy should be routinely recommended to patients taking Depakote who are contemplating pregnancy. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of certain birth defects.
- Depakote is excreted in breast milk. According to the FDA, consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing when Depakote is given to a nursing woman.
- Taking Depakote and Lamictal (lamotrigine) together can increase the likelihood of serious skin rashes including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Lamictal dosage should be reduced when co-administered with Depakote.
- Be cautious when taking aspirin with Depakote.
Quick Facts About Depakote Bipolar Medications Library
By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com
Updated August 22, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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