Depakote | Epilepsy & Migraine Drug
Depakote
(Generic Name: divalproex sodium), manufactured by
Abbott
Laboratories, is an anti-seizure medication,
widely prescribed to treat epilepsy, manic
episodes of bipolar disorder as well as chronic
pain and migraines.
The drug has recently come under attack for its connection
with the life-threatening condition, pancreatitis,
as well as severe problems associated with pregnant
patients and their babies.
In particular, a report in
May of 2007 to the American
Academy of Neurology suggested
that a staggering 25% of pregnant Depakote patients
gave birth to children who were mentally retarded and
almost 20% of pregnant Depakote patients gave birth
to babies who died upon birth or had serious birth
defects.
These tragic statistics,
along with the potentially-fatal connection with pancreatitis,
have led Depakote's
manufacturer to issue the following statements on the
homepage of Depakote's official website:
Some
people have experienced serious liver problems while
taking valproic acid*. Your doctor should check your
liver function before you start this medication and
at frequent intervals thereafter. You will also be
monitored for symptoms that lead to liver toxicity.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you have liver disease. Notify your doctor immediately
if you develop malaise (illness), weakness, tiredness,
facial swelling, and loss of appetite or vomiting.
Before taking valproate,
women who could become pregnant should talk with their
doctor, as valproic acid has been associated with birth
defects in children of women who have taken it while
pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this
medication, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor
should advise you of the risk and alternative treatment
options. Be sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet,
which appears as the last section of the labeling.
Some people taking valproate have experienced a serious,
life-threatening problem called pancreatitis, which
means that the pancreas has become inflamed. Call your
doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain,
nausea, vomiting, and/or loss of appetite, as these
can be symptoms of pancreatitis.
Common side effects of Depakote use are listed as:
• Drowsiness or weakness
• Diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach
• Depression, anxiety, or other emotional changes
• Changes in your menstrual period;
• Enlarged breasts
• Tremor (shaking)
• Hair loss
• Weight changes
• A red, blistering, peeling skin rash
• Vision changes
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
More serious side effects, requiring immediate doctor notification
are listed as:
• Unexplained weakness with vomiting and confusion or fainting
• Easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• Fever, skin rash, swollen glands
• Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• Urinating less than usual
• Blood in your urine
• Hallucinations
• Weakness, lack of coordination
• A red, blistering, peeling skin rash
• Extreme drowsiness
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes
If you believe your Depakote use has put you or a loved
one in danger, please fill out our Case Review Contact
Form to the right on this page to find out what your
case is worth.
