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.