Get Informed: Depakote
Active Ingredient(s)
Depakote
What does it do?
This product is used for the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and mania. It is believed to exert its effect by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-21 9:57 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Depakote ER
- Depakote
- Divalproex
- Valproic Acid
- Depakene
- Divalproex Sodium
- Depakote Sprinkle
- Valerin
- Epilim
- Stavzor
- Sodium Valproate
- Valproate Sodium
- Convulex
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- D
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to its increased risk of liver damage, birth defects and pancreatitis.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 10 Mar 1983
- Est US Patients*
- 2,074,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Depakote or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Depakote Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Depakote interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Depakote used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 13,800 patients that use Depakote (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Bipolar Disorder | 45% | 
|
| Epilepsy/Seizures | 34% | 
|
| Anxiety | 21% |
|
| Depression | 19% |
|
| Migraine/Headache | 15% | 
|
| Other | 2% | 
|
How well does Depakote work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 13,800 users taking Depakote (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 85%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Depakote outweigh the bad things.
- 28%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Depakote.
Common Side Effects of Depakote
iGuard regularly polls our more than 13,800 users taking Depakote (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
48% of patients experience side-effects on Depakote
14% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Depakote
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Weight Gain
-
Drowsiness
-
Tremor
-
Hair Loss
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
Fatigue
-
Dizziness
-
Nausea/Vomiting
-
Abdo Pain/Cramps
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Altered Taste/Smell, Heartburn/Reflux, Increased Appetite, Insomnia, Loss of Libido, Memory/Speech Problems, Mood/Behavior Changes, Suicidal Thoughts
Global Patient Feedback for Depakote ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Depokote 500mg twice daily since 1994. I really have not had any side effects until now I feel more tired and I have been forgetting things quicker then normal. I am going to my doctor to see what I should do and will let everyone know.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-09 08:08:19
Question/Comment:
03/02/10
I am tired of taking divalproex sodium tab 250 mg 3 times a day. I have faith and believe deep in heart that there are natural ways to help aid all types of disorders weather mental or not through the use use of herbal remedies. I am not going to feel at peace until I find something that will work for me that is all natural and will not cause any harmful side effects such as hair loss, constant urination, ear pain, and
several other things. I don't know about most people but I sure hate having side effects so I have decided to seek a different Psychiatrist
due to fear of not being able to express my self with confidence. Every time I'd suggest different things she would not hear of it, and felt I needed to continue this medication. Hello I'm the one taking it, I'm the one being effected by it not her and it's not like she's going to guarantee me a new organ if any should fail. Every time I'd go to my appointments I felt rushed. I am praying to my dear Lord they find a
Psychiatrist who would understand me a little better. The PHARMACEUTICAL CORPORATIONS make me ANGRY. They don't care how these medications will effect patients in the long run. Trust me you may not notice any side effect in the biginning but in time you'll start to feel the effects. These corporations only care about profits from the medications at the cost of human beings health. They don't care if we die of liver damage or anything ells. I believe that the Lord can heal any illness sad thig is that many have no faith or have put their faith in these corporations who in reality don't really care about having people all dopped up popping pills left and right. My goal is to some day be free from medicine all I ask of my dear Lord is to allow me to maintain emotional balance and a healthy sane mind even though it may be hard due to different situations that may cause me to
experience stress, anxiety, depression, loss of sleep due to worry over these various situations at different periods of my life. I also pray to my dear Lord to allow me to die a graceful death in my old age and not die a slow painful death due to side effects of meds. I know I have a lot to say but that's just how I feel "THE POWER OF PRAYER WORKS"... I pray I have not offended anyone Grace and good health be to all of you from our dear Lord above Amen... =)
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-02 23:02:14
Question/Comment:
I started taking Deprokote ER 3 days ago and I am experiencing excessive sedation and nausea. I am on MANY more meds though because of a eleven year battle with chronic migraines. However, this is my only new med. I was wondering if any one else experienced these side effects, what they did to help sedation, and if this med is worth the hassle of feeling like I haven't slept in days.
20 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-31 18:48:00
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The sedation and nausea are side effects of Depakote. Oftentimes, side effects like this subside and you will feel better. It is indicated to help prevent migraines and it is very effective. It is up to you if you feel that you cannot tolerate the side effects. Speak with your doctor before you stop taking any medication.
Posted: 2010-02-08 11:12:05
Question/Comment:
my son takes depakote er for epilepsy. he takes 1500 mg in the morning and 1000 mg in the evening along with 1250 mg of keppra morning and night. his hands shake alot and he is tired all the time. but the medicines have finally been controlling his seizures for a year and a half.
19 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-22 10:23:00
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Depakote for over ten years, 1250 mg per day. About two months ago, my new pdoc increased the dose to 1500. I experienced such extreme drowsiness that I was falling asleep driving - I mean, actually sleeping and dreaming - that he put me back down to my 1250, and I'm ok again. My hands shake pretty badly too, but I really don't think it's the Depakote, since that just started a year ago with the addition of some other drugs and we have not yet isolated which one it might be.
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-11 11:32:23
Question/Comment:
I have been taking 1000mg of Depakote for five years after a very late diagnosis of bi-polar in addition to my other psychiatric conditions. The worst side affect for me is drowsiness making a 40 hour work week very difficult. Does anyone have suggestions about staying alert in the morning and evening or have alternative medication suggestions? My other psychiatric medications geodon and celexa are life savers and I am very happy with them. Any suggestions?
38 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-12 23:38:43
Answer/Reply:
I also take Depakote, and Celexa. I had problems with being tired in the Morning as well. My Dr. suggested taking the Depakote and Celexa before going to bed (all at once, none in the morning). That has helped me considerably with my bi-polarism.
40 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-13 08:36:48
Answer/Reply:
I also have been taking Depakote for quite a few years. I use B6 twice a day after eating to give me energy to make it through the day. When I complained to my physician about the drowsiness that was his solution.
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-18 10:54:38
iGuard Answer/Reply:
You may be able to break up your dosing of the depakote into smaller doses and shift the times you take it to help manage the drowsiness, perhaps taking it closer to bedtime will help. Before you make any changes, you should consult your doctor and share the symptoms you are experiencing.
Posted: 2009-11-19 22:44:36
Answer/Reply:
I take all of my bipoler meds in the evening so i can function during the day
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-12-05 10:28:41
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173
Patient Comments about
Depakote