What is the drug Depakote used for?
Valproate is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), seizures (epilepsy), and migraine headaches. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and/or mania.
Why do doctors prescribe Depakote?
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. Depakote side effects can be serious and sometimes fatal.
What is the generic name for Depakote?
What Is Depakote? Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a stable coordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches. Generic Depakote (termed divalproex sodium) is available under several other names.
What type of drug is Depakote?
Acid
Short-chain fatty acid
Sodium valproate/Classification
Is Depakote a lithium?
Depakote (divalproex sodium) and Lithobid (lithium carbonate) are used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Depakote is also used to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches. Lithobid is also indicated as a maintenance treatment for individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Is Depakote a good mood stabilizer?
Bipolar disorder is often treated with medications referred to as mood stabilizers, such as lithium or Depakote (valproate) and Tegretol (carbamazepine). These medications can be very effective in treating hypomania or mania and preventing the recurrence of bipolar episodes.
Can Depakote change your personality?
What are the potential psychological side effects of taking Depakote? Depakote causes suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people who take the medication. Seek medical help if you experience these thoughts or other changes in your behavior or mood.
What are the uses of Depakote extended release tablets?
Depakote Tablets and Depakote Extended-Release Tablets are prescription medicines used: 1 to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. 2 alone or with other medicines to treat: 3 to prevent migraine headaches.
What to do with a Depakote sprinkle capsule?
Depakote sprinkle capsules may be opened and the medicine sprinkled onto a spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. The dosage of Depakote depends on several patient factors including age, the medical condition for which Depakote is prescribed, sensitivity to side effects, the presence of dehydration, and nutritional status.
Are there any side effects to taking Depakote?
Depakote may be used in the treatment of epilepsy, mania, and to prevent migraines; however, people taking Depakote should be monitored for potentially fatal side effects such as liver failure and pancreatitis and it should not be used in women of childbearing age unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks and reliable contraception is used.
How long does it take for Depakote sprinkles to take effect?
Response and effectiveness The time it takes for Depakote to reach its peak effects depends on the formulation used. Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles).