What is Depakote?
Depakote is a common medication used to treat seizure disorders and certain psychiatric conditions (the manic phase of bipolar disorder). In addition to treating these conditions, Depakote can also be prescribed by doctors to prevent migraine headaches.
This drug works by restoring the balance of several natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Benefits of Depakote
Depakote has a variety of uses, primarily as a monotherapy for seizures.
However, Depakote can also be used as an additional therapy to treat seizures, prevent migraines in adults, and help manage bipolar disorder.
Depakote Side Effects
Here are common side effects that can occur when you take Depakote:
- Diarrhea
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Hair loss
- Blurred/double vision
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Shiver
- Instability
- Weight changes.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face, tongue, and throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Depakote Dosage
Depakote is a prescription drug that should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
The dosage given may vary depending on the severity and medical condition of the patient.
Here are the general doses:
1. Epilepsy
- Adults and children >10 years: Initial dose of 15 mg/kg BW per day, divided into 2-4 doses. The dose can be increased by 5-10 mg/kg BW every week. The maximum daily dose to treat epilepsy is 60 mg/kg BW.
- Children >20 kg: The initial dose is 400 mg per day, divided into 2 doses. The dose can be increased gradually to a therapeutic dose. The maximum daily dose is 35 mg/kg BW.
- Children <20 kg: Initial dose 20 mg/kg BW per day, with a possible increase to 40 mg/kg BW per day.
2. Bipolar Disorder
- Adults: The dose ranges from 600 – 1800 mg per day, divided into 2 doses.
3. Migraine Prevention
- Adults: Initial dose 250 mg, given twice daily. A maximum daily dose is 1 g per day.
How to Use Depakote
Here are the ways to use Depakote that you must pay attention to:
- Read the medication guide and follow your doctor’s instructions before taking Depakote.
- Swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing. You may drink water to make swallowing easier.
- The dosage is adjusted according to your age, weight, medical condition, and other medications you are taking.
- Use regularly and at the same time every day.
- Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
- If used for seizures, the dose may be reduced gradually.
- This medication is not for the relief of acute migraine headaches. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve.
Caution in Using Depakote
There are several things you must pay attention to before using this drug, namely:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to it, valproic acid, sodium valproate, or any other ingredients in the drug.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have liver disease, pancreatitis, metabolic disorders such as urea cycle disorders or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, as well as a history of alcohol abuse, bleeding problems, dementia, kidney disease, dehydration, and malnutrition.
- This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, so you should not drive or operate machinery after taking it. Avoid alcohol or marijuana as these side effects may increase.
- Older adults are more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, or tremors, which may increase the risk of falls.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- This medication can pass into breast milk, so consult your doctor before using it.
Depakote Interactions
Drug interactions may affect how your medications work or increase the risk for serious side effects.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- Antidepressants
- Antibiotics, such as carbapenems such as imipenem
- Irinotecan
- Mefloquine
- Orlistat
- Other medications for seizures, such as ethosuximide, lamotrigine, rufinamide, topiramate
- Warfarin
- Vorinostat
- Zidovudine.
This medication may also affect certain lab tests (such as urine ketones). So be sure to tell your doctor before having any lab tests.
Depakote Contraindications
This drug is not recommended for individuals who have hypersensitivity to depakote ingredients, such as valproic acid or sodium valproate.
Doctors also do not recommend that individuals who have a history of allergies to these drugs take Depakote.
