Does anyone take Depakote?

Question

What effects is it supposed to have on your body?

Answer 1

I'm on Depakote, but I'm also on Effexor. For me, I'm sleepy way more than I use to. Also the combination drugs, at first, made me feel like a zombie. I wasn't in touch with my emotions. I was moving through my day without laughing, crying, even smiling. I also gained about 10 pounds the first month. But, I'm bi-polar and would rather have my medicines than do some of the things I was almost hospitalized for. Just make sure you and your doctor talk about how you feel, your doses, etc. Oh! The doctor is going to have to draw blood to make sure the medicine doesn't distroy your liver. (I seriously thought about telling him to go to hell after I found out the side effects. But go to the Web site to learn more. www.depakoteer.com

Answer 2

What is the most important information you should know about Depakote?
• In rare cases, Depakote has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children younger than 2 years old. Children of this age may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection).
• Depakote has also caused rare cases of life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and symptoms may start even after you have been taking Depakote for several years.
• Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis.
• Do not use this medication without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
• Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to take Depakote regularly to prevent seizures from recurring. Call your doctor promptly if this medicine does not seem to be working as well in preventing your seizures.
• Do not crush, chew, break, or open a delayed-release or extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
• Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Depakote, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking Depakote.
• Avoid using other drugs that make you sleepy (such as other seizure medicines, alcohol, cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Depakote.

Answer 3

DEPAKOTE (divalproex sodium) is indicated for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. Typical symptoms of mania include pressure of speech, motor hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, flight of ideas, grandiosity, poor judgement, aggressiveness, and possible hostility.


Adverse Event

DEPAKOTE
(n=89)

Placebo
(n=97)
Nausea

22%

15%
Somnolence

19%

12%
Dizziness

12%

4%
Vomiting

12%

3%
Asthenia

10%

7%
Abdominal pain

9%

8%
Dyspepsia

9%

8%
Rash

6%

3%

Answer 4

For me, it was helpful as a mood stabilizer but it causes significant hair loss. This is not a terribly common side effect, but it can happen. A much more common one is weight gain. (Although, it didn't do that to me.)

Answer 5

it is supposed to calm you down and help u too cope with life