A healthcare provider may prescribe Depakote to treat mania, epilepsy, or migraines. This eMedTV Web page explains how Depakote works and when and how to take it, as well as its possible side effects and general precautions and warnings.
A few of the most common Depakote side effects include vomiting, dizziness, and tremors. This eMedTV article lists other common side effects of Depakote and explains which side effects require immediate medical attention.
Weight gain is a side effect that has been seen in up to 9 percent of people taking Depakote. This eMedTV resource discusses Depakote and weight gain in more detail and provides tips for maintaining a healthy weight.
Insomnia is a potential side effect of Depakote. This article from the eMedTV archives offers more information on Depakote and insomnia, including a definition of what insomnia is and a list of tips for improving your sleep habits.
Hair loss is a commonly reported side effect in people taking Depakote. This eMedTV page offers more information on Depakote and hair loss, including an explanation of how common the side effect is and what your doctor may recommend for treatment.
Depakote is used for treating several conditions, including epilepsy, migraines, and mania. This eMedTV page describes how the drug works for these conditions, explains whether it can be used by children, and lists possible off-label Depakote uses.
For migraine prevention, the recommended starting Depakote dosage is 250 mg twice a day. This eMedTV segment also provides Depakote dosing recommendations for the treatment of epilepsy and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Among the drugs that may potentially cause Depakote drug interactions are aspirin, diazepam, and warfarin. This eMedTV Web page explains what may happen as a result of Depakote interactions and lists other drugs that may interact with Depakote.
Before taking Depakote, let your doctor know if you have liver disease or a blood disorder. This eMedTV page lists other Depakote warnings and precautions, such as other conditions to tell your doctor about and people who should avoid the drug.
Generally, pregnant women should not take Depakote unless absolutely necessary. This eMedTV segment describes the complications seen in clinical studies on Depakote and pregnancy, and explains when a doctor may prescribe the drug to a pregnant woman.
Many doctors consider Depakote to be safe for breastfeeding women. This eMedTV article offers more information on Depakote and breastfeeding, explaining that if you do take the drug while breastfeeding, you should watch for side effects in your child.
Symptoms of a Depakote overdose may include drowsiness, heart block, or a coma. This eMedTV article describes other possible effects of a Depakote overdose and discusses the various treatment options that are available.
Generic Depakote products are not yet available on the market. As this article from the eMedTV site explains, as soon as the patents for various Depakote products expire, drug companies may begin manufacturing generic forms of the drug.
Seizures are the most significant Depakote withdrawal symptom. This eMedTV page further describes the potential dangers of Depakote withdrawal and explains what steps your doctor may suggest in order to reduce your risk of having withdrawals.
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