Depakote: Learn the Most Common Side Effects to Body

Being diagnosed with a physical or mental condition can be extremely difficult. And what can be even more overwhelming is being prescribed a new medication for a condition. If you, or a loved one, have recently been prescribed Depakote, or are looking into possible treatments for a condition, you'll want to educate yourself about the medication. You are likely wondering about the history, use, and common side effects of Depakote.
You'll want to be aware of any familial medical issues that may impact your experience with this medication. You will also want to know the most dangerous side effects, and their symptoms, so that you know if and when to seek emergency medical attention.
What Is Depakote?
History
How Does It Work?
Who Created Depakote?
This medication was created by Abbott Laboratories. In 2012, they pled guilty to federal drug charges for marketing the pill to nursing homes to help with "aggressive" patients. They also pled guilty to marketing it as a medication for Schizophrenia, despite their studies that negated its use for this disorder.
Despite these court cases and guilty pleas, there are still a great many individuals prescribed Depakote for aggression or Schizophrenia. Because it was marketed for these conditions for a long period of time, many individuals were put on the medication and were not subsequently taken off of it. Although Abbott Laboratories pled guilty, you will still see patients with psychotic symptoms today being prescribed this medication.
Dosage
The dosage of Depakote can vary greatly, and as such, you should only take the dosage prescribed by your physician. Many considerations are taken into account when deciding dosage. Some of these are diagnosed condition, weight, previous medications, and response to therapies. If you think there are issues with your dosage, contact your doctor immediately.
Side Effects
Warnings
Interactions
Common Side Effects
Severe Expression:
These common side effects will often be severe, if experienced
Moderate Expression:
These common side effects are usually less severe, if experienced
Infrequent Side Effects
Severe Infrequent Side Effects:
These infrequent side effects tend to be more severe, if experienced
Moderate Infrequent Side Effects:
These infrequent side effects tend to be less severe, if experienced
Rare Side Effects
Severe Rare Side Effects:
These rare side effects are likely to be severe, if experienced
Moderate Rare Side Effects:
These side effects are likely to be less severe, if experienced
Conclusion
Undergoing psychotropic treatment can be a very difficult, but rewarding experience. If you or a loved one have recently been prescribed Depakote, or diagnosed with a condition treated by it, it's important to have the full scoop before starting treatment. While this medication has great results treating Bipolar Disorder, it's always important to know any possible side effects of anything you take.
Because this medication can have severe interactions with medications, as well as can cause damage to the liver and pancreas, it's essential that you be totally honest with your physician about your family medical history. It's also imperative that you be aware of and disclose fully to your physician any over-the-counter or prescription medication that you take or have a history of taking. It is also important that while taking Depakote, you receive consistent medical attention to assess your body's reaction to the medication.
If you have any concerns about side effects you are experiencing, contact your physician immediately or call 911.