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.
Is Depakote safe long term?
To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of valproate. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
What does Depakote do to your body?
The medication Depakote (divalproex sodium) is an anticonvulsant. Doctors prescribe it to treat seizure disorders and to prevent migraine headaches. People also use it to manage the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
What are signs of Depakote toxicity?
CNS findings in cases of VPA overdose may include the following:
- Coma.
- Confusion.
- Somnolence.
- Worsened seizure control.
- Dizziness.
- Hallucinations.
- Irritability.
- Headache.
What happens when you stop taking Depakote?
A: Do not stop taking Depakote without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that do not stop (also known as “status epilepticus”). Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.
Can Depakote cause permanent damage?
Studies link Depakote and Depakote ER to serious side effects. These side effects can cause permanent disability and even death. Common side effects of Depakote can happen any time during treatment. Some Depakote side effects are specific to certain populations, such as pregnant women.
Is 500mg of Depakote a lot?
Depakote ER is indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches in adults. The recommended starting dose is 500 mg once daily for 1 week, thereafter increasing to 1000 mg once daily.
Can Depakote change your personality?
Divalproex sodium may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
Is there a lawsuit against Depakote?
Federal Depakote Lawsuits Settled for $1.5 Billion
Patients who experienced severe side effects would go on to file lawsuits against Abbott, and later AbbVie. Before that, the Department of Justice went after Abbott over accusations that the company promoted Depakote for off-label uses.
Is Depakote a good drug?
Depakote has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 292 ratings on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 29% reported a negative effect.
Does Depakote cause memory loss?
Divalproex treatment was associated with accelerated brain volume loss over 1 year and perhaps with greater cognitive impairment. The long-term clinical effects of these changes are not known.
What is a toxic level of Depakote?
Its action is similar to that of other common anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine. The therapeutic range for valproic acid is 50-100 mcg/mL. The toxic level is >100 mcg/mL.
Can Depakote cause vision problems?
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, weight changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How do i taper off Depakote?
You can cut the Depakote 125 mg in half giving you 62.5 mg. These small cuts are not necessary for everyone, but for some, slowing it way down is the only path to re-regulation after the use of the drug. You can cut any of the Depakote versions in half to configure the correct milligram dosing needed.
What happens when Depakote levels are too high?
Symptoms of overdosage of Depakote include changes in consciousness, fainting, and slow or irregular heartbeat. Contact your doctor urgently if you experience stomach pain that spreads to your back, nausea and vomiting, dark urine, facial swelling, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
How long does it take Depakote to get out of your system?
When taken by itself, the half-life of Depakote is roughly 14 hours, and it takes five half-lives to eliminate most drugs. So, while the levels of Depakote may not be high enough to have clinical effects, Depakote can remain in your system for about three days following a single dose.
Which is safer lithium or Depakote?
Patients taking lithium had lower rates of self-harm and unintentional injury compared to those taking other bipolar drugs, such as valproate (Depacon, Depakote), olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel), said lead researcher Joseph Hayes.
Does Depakote affect your kidneys?
Valproic acid may cause serious allergic reactions affecting multiple body organs (eg, liver or kidney).
Is Depakote used for dementia?
Commonly used drugs: Valproic acid (brand name Depakote) is the most commonly used medication of this type, in older adults with dementia. It is available in short- and long-acting formulations.
Can Depakote affect your thyroid?
Valproate (applies to Depakote) thyroid function tests
The manufacturers state that there have been reports of altered thyroid function tests associated with the use of valproate.
Is Depakote addictive?
Is Depakote habit-forming? Depakote has no habit-forming potential, but it is not recommended that you discontinue use of the drug before talking with your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms can occur.