Generic Name/ Manufacturer
Depakote is a brand name of the prescription drug divalproex sodium (sodium valproate plus valproic acid). It is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories of Abbott Park, Illinois.
Applications
Depakote is used to treat
migraine headaches,
epilepsy, and the
mania associated with
bipolar disorder.
Mechanism
To quote the manufacturer, "The mechanisms
by which valproate (Depakote's active
ingredient) exerts its therapeutic effects have not been established". Though Abbott
Labs suggests that the benefits may have something to do with increased
GABA levels in the brain, little is understood about sodium valproate's
pharmacodynamics.
Side Effects
Depakote is not an easy drug to take. Some side effects reported include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, sleepiness, ataxia, headache, nystagmus, double vision, dysarthria, dizziness,
confusion, hypoesthesia, vertigo, alopecia, rash, depression, hallucinations, hyperactivity, menstrual irregularities, galactorrhea, enuresis, pancreatitus and hearing loss. Blood-related problems associated with Depakote include thrombocytopenia, petechiae, bruising, weight gain, hematoma formation,
epistaxis, and hemorrhaging. Patients with liver or renal problems must be particularly cautious when taking Depakote as they may be unable to efficiently flush the drug from their bodies. Pregnant women are urged to avoid Depakote due to the risk of harm to the fetus.
Drug Interactions
Depakote may reduce the efficacy of protein-binding medications, including phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), warfarin (Coumadin), and tolbutamide (diabetes drug Orinase).
http://www.depakote.com/
pdf/
dep3.PDF